Hero Down: CBP Agent Donna Doss Killed By Motorist During Traffic Stop

Abilene, TX – United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss died in the line of duty on Saturday, when she was struck by a passing motorist while assisting other officers.

Agent Doss, 49, responded to a traffic stop on Interstate 20 frontage road at approximately 8:50 p.m. at the request of the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a media release.

As she was crossing the road to check the immigration status of the driver the troopers had stopped, she was struck by a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by 79-year-old Earl Burge, the Abilene Reporter News reported.

“Emergency Medical Services responded, but Agent Doss succumbed to her injuries at the scene,” CBP said.

Burge was taken into custody, but it was unclear whether or not he will be charged, KTRK reported.

“Agent Doss died while performing her duty, protecting the community and the United States,” Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said in the media release. “Our heart, prayers, and support go out to Agent Doss’ family in this time of need.”

Agent Doss joined the agency on Nov. 3, 2003, and graduated from the academy on June 6, 2005.

“You will always be missed by everyone that got the pleasure to work alongside you,” the Callahan County Sheriff’s Office said, according to KTRK. “Rest easy, sister. We have the watch from here.”

The Tye Police Department described her as an “outstanding agent,” and said that she was an even better friend, according to the agency’s Facebook post.

“Losing an officer is hard, losing an officer who is like family is extremely difficult,” the post read. “I ask y’all to keep Agent Doss’s family in your prayers as well as the men and women of the Tye Police Department as well as all local law enforcement, for she touched so many lives.”

Agent Doss leaves behind her husband, parents, siblings, and two stepchildren, KTRK reported.

“Please join me in praying for her family in the wake of their loss,” Texas Senator Ted Cruz tweeted on Sunday. “Let us always remember & remain grateful for the Border Patrol Agents & their families who make courageous sacrifices to protect Texas & our country.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Donna Dos, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.