SMDR Year in Review: SMPD suffers loss, community rallies with support

Editor's note: This story is part of a series capturing moments in 2020.

Tragedy struck the San Marcos Police Department multiple times in 2020. But each time the San Marcos community responded with support. 

In March, SMPD Officer Paul Beller was struck by a motor vehicle on Interstate 35. Beller was dispatched to the area of Exit 205 on I-35 for a call of lumber in the roadway. As Beller exited his patrol car, he was stuck by a passenger car, officials said. Following the accident, Beller was transported by ambulance to a trauma facility in the region, where surgery was performed. He continues to recover from injuries.