Slain Texas police sergeant killed during traffic stop laid to rest

July 1, 2015

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Sergeant Chris Kelley of the Hutto, Texas Police Department was struck and killed by a man fleeing a traffic stop last Wednesday.

The incident occurred near the intersection of Meadow Lark Lane and FM 1660. Karen Daly, Hutto City Manager, said that Sgt. Kelley was not in uniform while responding to a call when the event occurred.

Friends and family join together to say their final goodbyes to sergeant Chris Kelley. Screen shot from video.

According to Daly, the suspect is Colby Ray Williamson, 26, who is now in custody. The investigation has been turned over to the Texas Rangers in accordance with police procedures. Kelley was Hutto’s first officer to die in the line of duty, according to KVUE.

Final call for 7610, Sergeant Chris Kelley. Thanks to Tiffany for the audio.

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Kelley’s body was transported in a hearse with police escort departing from Seton Medical Center Williamson. The officers will accompany the body to the medical examiner’s office, and they will remain with the body until it is transferred. A state honor guard will accompany the body when it is moved from the office. Outside the Hutto police station, flags were lowered and those who knew Kelley paid their respects.

Prior to entering the police force, Kelley was a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served until 2004. After his military service, he worked as a telecommunications officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Kelley then became a prison guard with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. In July 2008, he joined the Hutto Police.

Sgt. Kelley was the 2013 Supervisor of the Year and assisted the first Police Officer Mini-Academy. He was also a TASER instructor for the organization.

Fellow officers saluting sergeant Chris Kelley one final time. Screen shot from video.

Captain Don Verett said, “Just the kind of officer you like to be able to supervise and have working for us. 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.”

City Manager Daly also said, “He served his country, he served his community, he loved his family, and that’s the kind of individual he was, and it’s the kind of individual we will remember him by.”