Houston Officer Charged with DWI After Bus Collision

News Summary

A Houston Police officer, Sean Ratcliff, has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated after rear-ending a METRO bus on July 8, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident occurred at the intersection of I-45 and Crosstimbers, with Ratcliff’s vehicle sustaining moderate damage. This is his second DWI charge in two years, raising concerns about public safety and police accountability as he has been relieved of duty pending an investigation by both the HPD and METRO.

Houston Police Officer Charged with DWI After Rear-Ending METRO Bus

A Houston Police Department officer, Sean Ratcliff, aged 40, was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) following an incident that occurred on July 8, 2025. Ratcliff’s vehicle rear-ended a METRO bus that was stopped to service passengers, resulting in multiple injuries.

The accident took place at around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of I-45 and Crosstimbers. In total, two individuals required hospitalization due to non-life-threatening injuries, while another seven passengers on the bus reported similar injuries. The vehicle driven by Ratcliff sustained moderate damage, and all airbags deployed during the collision.

As a consequence of the incident, Ratcliff has been relieved of duty while an internal affairs investigation is conducted. It is important to note that he was not on duty at the time of the accident.

This is not the first time Ratcliff has faced DWI charges; this incident marks his second charge within a two-year period. The first charge occurred in May 2023 but was dismissed after Ratcliff completed a pretrial diversion program. Following this dismissal, he was rehired by the Houston Police Department in March 2025 after being unemployed for several months after his first DWI charge, which had led to the termination of his previous service in October 2023. Records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement indicate that Ratcliff began his career with the HPD in January 2013.

Investigation and Reactions

Both the Houston Police Department and METRO are currently conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Experts have noted that the repercussions for officers involved in incidents like this can vary, but second chances for law enforcement personnel are considered rare.

The impact of the crash has raised concerns regarding the safety of public transport and the accountability of law enforcement officers. As details continue to develop, the cities’ residents await further information regarding the investigation and the future of Officer Ratcliff within the Houston Police Department.

Summary of Events

• Sean Ratcliff, HPD officer, charged with DWI.
• Incident occurred July 8, 2025, at I-45 and Crosstimbers.
• Rear-ended METRO bus; multiple injuries reported.
• Ratcliff’s vehicle damaged; airbags deployed.
• Ratcliff previously faced DWI charge in May 2023; that charge was dismissed.
• He was relieved of duty pending an internal investigation.
• Both HPD and METRO are investigating the accident.

As more details emerge from the investigations, the public remains attentive to how this incident will influence police practices and public transportation safety in the Houston area.

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Additional Resources

• ABC13: Houston Police Officer Charged with Second DWI
• FOX26: HPD Officer Arrested for DWI
• Houston Chronicle: Officer DWI Incident
• Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
• Google Search: Houston Police Department