HUTTO, Texas -- Hutto Police Sgt. Chris Kelley died in the line of duty Wednesday morning, and DPS said Kelley died after he was run over by a suspect.
The deadly incident happened near the intersection of FM 1660 and Meadow Lark Lane. According to Hutto City Manager Karen Daly, Sgt. Kelley was responding to a call and was not in uniform when the deadly incident happened.
Daly said Sgt. Kelley had apprehended a suspect when he lost his life. She also said the suspect is in custody. DPS identified the suspect Wednesday evening as Colby Ray Williamson, 26, of Austin.
Daly said the investigation has been turned over to the Texas Rangers, which she said was protocol when an officer dies. She said she believed Sgt. Kelley's death was the first active duty officer to pass away in the history of the city.
Sgt. Kelley's body was taken in a hearse from Seton Medical Center Williamson around 2 p.m. and was surrounded and escorted by dozens of officers from around Central Texas.
The body will be taken to the medical examiner's office and will have officers remaining with the body until it is transferred from the office. When Sgt. Kelley's body is taken from the office; he will have a state honor guard accompany his body.
As news of Kelley's death spread, the flags outside the Hutto police station were lowered as coworkers and friends comforted one another.
Kelley had a long career in public service. He was a technical sergeant in the United States Air Force and was on active duty until 2004. After his military service, Kelley worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a telecommunications officer. He then moved to the position of jailer with the Travis County Sheriff's Office and later became a peace officer with the University of Texas System Police. He joined the Hutto Police in July 2008.
Sgt. Kelley was selected as the 2013 Supervisor of the Year and helped setup the first Police Officer Mini-Academy and was one of the first TASER instructors for the organization.
"Just the kind of officer you like to be able to supervise and have working for us," said UTPD Capt. Don Verett. "He was very well respected from, the officers that worked with him really respected him. He became a leader as a young officer coming in even off the street."
"He served his country, he served his community, he loved his family," said Daly. "And that's the kind of individual he was and it's the kind of individual we will remember him by."
Kelley leaves behind a wife and two children. His father, Jack Kelley, is a retired Austin police sergeant.
U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) released the following statement Wednesday. Carter's district includes Hutto:
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Hutto Police Sergeant Chris Kelley, the Hutto police officer who was killed in the line of duty today. I strongly support our law enforcement men and women who put their lives in danger while keeping us safe. Sgt. Kelley leaves behind a wife and two small children. His bravery and commitment to the badge will be honored and remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, the Hutto Police Department, and the entire Hutto community. He will be greatly missed."
The 100 Club of Central Texas assists the families of fallen first responders, and it will assist Kelley's family. Go here for more information and to donate.
Hundreds of comments have flowed into social media from across the region. Some of the comments can be read below in a Tagboard focusing on the hashtag #prayforhutto.
