CLUTE - A Clute patrolman appeared to have been speeding and was not wearing his seat belt when he lost control of his patrol car early Wednesday, according to the Department of Public Safety investigator of the crash that left the officer in serious condition.

Officer Scott Morton, 41, of Richwood was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston for treatment of broken ankles, a broken pelvis, collapsed lung and slight bleeding in his brain, Clute Police Capt. Robin Carlton said.