SAN MARCOS, Texas – A San Marcos police officer was taken into emergency surgery with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle on I-35 Saturday evening.

  • Officer responded to traffic hazard
  • Man arrested on 2 charges
  • Officer was stable after surgery

According to the San Marcos Police Department, while responding to an incident on I-35 northbound, Officer Claudia Cormier was struck by a vehicle driven by a man named Neil Sheehan.  

At approximately 9:39 p.m., police received a call about a traffic hazard with items in the roadway on the interstate, just north of the McCarty Overpass near the 202 Mile Marker. Cormier, a three-year police officer, responded to the incident.  

Shortly after, dispatch began receiving 911 calls that an officer had been struck by another vehicle in the same area.  Patrol officers responded and found Cormier with severe, life-threatening injuries after being struck by a Ford Expedition driven by Sheehan.

Cormier was taken to Seton-Hays in Kyle where she went into emergency surgery.  She was in stable condition following the surgery but was sedated pending further surgeries.

Despite her injuries, Chief Chase Stapp Monday evening tweeted she has vowed to return to the force. 

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to assist San Marcos police in the investigation. Troopers arrested Sheehan for intoxication assault on a public servant and failure to slow causing serious bodily injury. The trooper obtained a warrant for his blood and the results are pending.

The investigation is ongoing.

The San Marcos Police Department appreciates all concerns and well-wishes and asks for prayers for Cormier’s recovery and for her family in their time of need. 

Cormier's injuries are said to be severe and she will undergo extended recovery. Not all of her expenses will be covered by insurance. Community members have set up an account at Randolph Brooks Credit Union for donations. Bank members can donate online via transfer or at their nearest location using account number 208695903. 

Members of other banks may complete a transfer using routing number 314089681, account number 208695903, and listing the account as a deposit account. 

You may also donate at the San Marcos Police Department by cash or check in-person or mail a donation to the following address: 

  • Brenda Pisana
  • 2300 I-35 
  • San Marcos, TX
  • 78666