Deputy Sheriff
Charles Allen Van Meter
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, June 26, 2011
Biographical Info
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: June 26, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Agency Contact Information
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office
3602 County Road 45
Angleton, TX 77515
Phone: (979) 864-2214
Deputy Charles Van Meter was killed in an automobile accident on State Highway 6, in Manvel, at approximately 10:30 pm.
An eastbound pickup truck caused a collision when it turned left off of Highway 6 to enter a gas station near FM 1128, failing to yield to the oncoming patrol car. Deputy Van Meter, the passenger in the patrol car, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. His partner was flown to a hospital in critical condition.
MANVEL, Texas – A deputy was killed and three other people were injured as the result of a collision between a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office squad car and a pickup truck.
The accident took place before 10 p.m. Sunday in the intersection of State Highway 6 and FM 1128.
Investigators say the driver of the truck failed to yield the right of way and made a turn in front of the oncoming BCSO car.
The deputy who died has been identified as Charles Allen Vanmeter.
The pickup truck who was critically injured has been identified as Chance Chambers, FOX 26 News has learned.
Chambers was taken by Life Flight medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital – Texas Medical Center along with the other injured deputy and the pickup truck driver.
"When you walk up on a car and you can see the encroachment of that car is in where the person was sitting, and there is blood on the airbag, which lets me know there was an impact to the officer that was sitting in the passenger seat," said a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper at the accident scene.
Another Deputy who was in the vehicle is in Critical condition as well as two teen agers who were also involved in the collision.
Remembering the fallen 
This is not the forum for trashing anyone, raising doubts or questions. There are plenty of forums for that all over the internet.
I am sorry for all involved
My intent was not to trash anyone, so I’m sorry if that’s how you interpreted what I had to say. I only stated my family’s side of the story and the fact that they are still investigating who is at fault. It’s frustrating when the news prints information for the world to see when the police themselves have not yet verified all of the facts or placed the final report. It’s hard enough for all of our families without the media stirring the pot. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7628135.html
Lost an amazing friend of 13 years. I do know this, dumbass driver tried to turned too quickly. There’s no need to rush in front of another car. Let the car pass, then turn. I’m still in shock and disbelief, frustrated.
Always a sad time when anyone is lost so unexpectedly. My condolences to you.
Keep positive thoughts for the three who are still in critical condition.
Thank you “themunz” for your thoughts of the 3 still fighting for their lives. This is not a time for slander and hatred.
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/traffic/110627-manvel-fatal-car-truck-crash
I thought this wasn’t a website for trashing people.
Squad car was driving 74mph in a 50. Why didn’t they have their siren on? Anything printed in the media or stated by family and friends is all speculation until the final report is filed, and since 3 of the victims are still in critical condition, none of them have been questioned yet. Therefore, the investigation continues. This whole situation is terrible, and I feel for each and every family involved and have no intention of slandering or harboring hatred towards anyone. I think things are hard enough right now, wouldn’t you agree? EVERYONE involved deserves all the prayers they can get whether they are officers of the law or not, and it saddens me to see otherwise.
Both violated a traffic law. No one to blame here. Just a terrible accident. My prayers go out to all victims, as well as their family & friends. I was happy to hear that 3 of the victims are recovering well as of now. Thank you Deputy Van Meter for your service and bravery! May you rest in peace, as an officer of the law will always be missed.
“PARALIZING DEVASTATION IN ONE SECOND____IT IS NOT RIGHT, A WONDERFUL MAN IS DEAD & UNFORTURNATLY NOTHING FOUND OUT BY AN INVESTIGATION WILL BRING MY SON BACK TO LIFE !!!
I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish I had the ability to express my condolences in person. I know it won’t help much, but this was an “accident”. It was not done intentionally by anyone and all involved I am sure were good people and if they had the ability to change the event they certainly would have.