A Houston police officer drowned in flood waters over the weekend, according to the mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner. The officer has been identified as 60-year-old Steve Perez
Confirming death of @houstonpolice Sgt. Steve Perez, 60, on Sunday; caught in floodwaters while driving to duty. #hero #HarveyFlood
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) August 29, 2017
Department officials told the Houston Chronicle that the officer was in his patrol car driving to work Sunday morning when he got trapped in his patrol car in high water at I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road.
The mayor said Perez drove for 2.5 hours seeking a safe route to duty. His flooded vehicle was found at 8 a.m. today.
Mayor Turner also added that his wife urged him not to go to work on Sunday, but Perez told her, "I've got work to do."
Perez "died in trying." RIP, sergeant. Houston thanks you and mourns all who have died in #HarveyFlood.
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) August 29, 2017
Perez was with the Houston Police Department for 34 years.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the tragic in the line of duty death of Sergeant Steve Perez. pic.twitter.com/cHJxjnFgII
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) August 29, 2017
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