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An East Texas deputy who was directing traffic away from an injured stray cow is hospitalized in critical condition after being attacked by the cow. Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith says Deputy Robert Britton of Tyler was directing traffic when the cow charged him. The sheriff says Britton was knocked into the air, landed on his head and "then the animal continued the assault." He was in critical condition in intensive care at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

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My heart goes out to him and his family. I grew up around cattle and you just don't turn your back on them in a stressful situation. Even normally peaceful individuals can go crazy when in pain or overwhelmed with fear. The owner of the cow is liable for the damage she has done. I hope they are able to locate him. Too many people don't want to spend the money on good fencing because they do not take seriously the risk they are taking if a thousand plus pound animal gets loose on the roads.

I had one steer that would leave bruises when he was just playing with me. I haven't had to deal with an actual attack, but large animals are no joke...

Deputy Sheriff Robert Britton
Smith County Sheriff's Office
Texas
End of Watch: Monday, March 28, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Animal related
Date of Incident: Thursday, March 24, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Deputy Sheriff Robert Britton succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was attacked by an injured cow while directing traffic around the animal.

He had responded to the scene after a vehicle struck and injured the cow on Farm Road 344. As he directed traffic around the animal it charged him and knocked him into the air. He landed on his head and suffered severe head injuries. The cow continued attacking him until other deputies were able to pull him to safety.

Deputy Britton was transported to East Texas Medical Center where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.

Deputy Britton had served with the Smith County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He is survived by his two children.

I am without words. My prayers go to the family and to the Smith County Sheriff's Department. One would never expect to lose an officer this way.

What a sad loss. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

He came from a family of Law Enforcement. His father Leo Britton also served Tyler P.D. for years.

R.I.P. Deputy Robert Britton

"He could walk up and say one little bitty thing and make the whole world seem a little bit better."

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19 years and taken out by a cow. Ouch

That is horrible. Prayers sent to the family...