Houston police officer drowns in Harvey flooding

A Houston police officer drowned in his patrol car due to rising floodwaters from Harvey.

The Houston Police Department confirmed that 60-year-old Sgt. Steve Perez was driving to work in downtown Houston when he got trapped in high water on Interstate 45.

The officer attempted to flee his vehicle, but he was not able to get out.

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"The death of Sergeant Perez reminds us of the dangers that police officers willingly face every day in order to serve this great city," the department said in a statement. "Like Steve, we will not waiver and we will not stop until we meet the immediate safety and security needs of the community."

Perez served with the Houston Police Department for 34 years. His death is the 15 th official fatality due to Hurricane Harvey.