A Houston police officer on Sunday morning drowned in his patrol car in floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey, according to city police department officials.
The officer, who has been with the department for more than 30 years, was driving downtown when he took a wrong turn, leading him into high waters, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday. He was unable to escape his patrol car near I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road.
"He was trying different routes, and took a wrong turn," one high-ranking official said. The officer tried to escape from the vehicle but was unable to do so.
Search and rescue crews are working to recover his body, and the officers' family has not yet been notified.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (D.) knew of the incident but did not have anything to add when asked at a press briefing Tuesday morning.
"I've heard those reports and we are taking a look at it and I don't have anything to tell you at this time," he said.
With the officer's death, Hurricane—now Tropical Storm—Harvey, or the rains it generated after making landfall, has killed 15 people in Texas.
The storm has brought nearly 50 inches of rain since it came inland. Rain is expected to continue throughout southeast Texas.