Round Rock Officer Hit By Vehicle 2 Months Ago Dies From Injuries

ROUND ROCK, TX — Charles Whites, the Round Rock police officer injured two months ago while directing traffic at an accident scene, has died, city officials announced Friday.

Whites, 63, served on the police force for 19 years, starting as a patrol officer before becoming a field training officer and a SWAT negotiator. On Feb. 25, he sustained multiple injuries when he was struck by a car while directing traffic around the scene of an auto-pedestrian fatality along Interstate 35 in Round Rock. He succumbed to his injuries on Thursday while in hospice care.

Officer Whites is survived by his wife, Connie, and step-son.

Officer Whites with wife Connie, photo courtesy of Round Rock Police Department

Whites was directing traffic around a crash on I-35 after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver near Palm Valley Road around 6:45 a.m. on Feb. 25. Raul Martinez, 65, was driving from San Antonio to Kentucky when he approached the crash site and was unable to react in time upon seeing the officer directing traffic with his flashlight, the driver told police.

“We are devastated by the passing of Officer Charles Whites.” Police Chief Allen Banks said in a prepared statement. “Our heart breaks for Connie and all of Charles’ family. Charles was a great officer and an even better person."

The entire community — specifically the police force — and supporters beyond the city limits had rallied around Whites since he was injured, staging fundraisers to help defray medical costs and related expenses for his family while hoping for his recovery. Banks referenced how the city had been galvanized in the wake of Whites' hospitalization.

"The past two months have shown how strong and close-knit we are as a department," Banks said. "The

support we’ve received from the Round Rock community, surrounding communities, and regional first responders has been inspiring. We will continue to lean on this strength and support as we remember Charles and honor his many years of public service.”

Photo of Officer Charles Whites courtesy of Round Rock Police Department

Mayor Craig Morgan offered his condolences in a prepared statement: “Officer Charles Whites paid the ultimate price to protect our community, and we are profoundly saddened by his passing. On behalf of the City of Round Rock, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, and I ask all our citizens to join me in praying for the family, colleagues and friends he leaves behind.”

City Manager Laurie Hadley echoed the sentiments: “Today is an extremely sad day for our City family because we have lost a treasured member of our team. Officer Charles Whites was an outstanding person and a valued employee, and he will be deeply missed. I offer our sincerest condolences to his wife, Connie, and Charles’ family.”

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Officer Whites will receive a police escort from Christopher

House to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office (7723 Springdale Rd), where he will be
received by a Police Honor Wall. Details for the funeral will be released at a later time, Banks said.

Related stories:

Driver Charged After Hitting Round Rock Officer Directing Traffic

Fundraiser Scheduled To Benefit Injured Round Rock Officer

Donations Sought For Injured Round Rock Police Officer

>>> Top photos courtesy of Round Rock Police Department