San Marcos officer from Laredo loses limb after injury caused by suspected drunk driver

The San Marcos Police Department officer critically injured by a suspected drunk driver is from Laredo, authorities said.

Officer Claudia Cormier attended the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts.

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In a recent news conference, San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp said Cormier wanted to be a police officer most of her life.

“She grew up in Laredo, came to Texas State to go to school, earned her bachelor’s degree and began working as a dispatcher for us in 2007,” he said. “She tested to be a police officer multiple times. She had everything that it took, but she just needed to pass the physical agility test.

“She got better every time and never lost hope. She finally was successful in doing that. I’ve seen her determination and dedication.”

Cormier responded to a traffic hazard report at about 9:45 p.m. Saturday on mile marker 202 of Interstate 35 near the McCarty Overpass, police said.

Dispatch then received 911 calls saying that an officer had been struck by a 2000 Ford Expedition in the same area. Responding officers found Cormier with severe life-threatening injuries.

Authorities identified the driver of the Expedition as Neil Sheehan, 58. He was arrested and charged with intoxication assault on a public servant and failure to slow causing serious bodily injury. He is out on bond.

Cormier lost her leg because of the severe injuries she sustained, according to police. Stapp said Cormier has a long road to recovery, but Cormier assured him that she will be back.

“Claudia is extremely driven. She is courageous. She is going to get through this,” the chief said.

At VMT, her teachers remember her as bright, lively, talented and well-liked by her classmates, the Laredo Independent School District said in a statement.

“Laredo ISD hopes Ms. Cormier recovers completely from her injuries. LISD sends her our warmest thoughts and prayers,” the statement reads.

People wanting to help may do so through an account at Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union for donations. RBFCU members can make a donation by online transfer or at their nearest branch using the account number 208695903.

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

San Marcos Police is also taking donations by cash or check at the San Marcos Police Department in-person or by mail to Brenda Pisana, 2300 I-35, San Marcos, TX 78666.