A Houston Police officer has died on his way to work during tropical storm Harvey, according to three department officials.
The officials told the Houston Chronicle that the officer was driving his patrol car to work on Sunday when he was trapped in floodwaters on an interstate highway. He attempted to escape from his car but was unable to do so.
Search and rescue crews are working to recover his body, the Chronicle reported.
The officials did not give the officer's name, but said he had been with the department for more than 30 years. The family has yet to be notified.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was "taking a look at" reports of the officer's death.
The police department did not immediately return The Independent's request for comment.
Houston's streets have been flooded with record-breaking rainfall due to Harvey, which touched down on the eastern Texas coastline on Friday. More than two feet of rain fell over the weekend – half of the total expected rainfall for the entire year.
The flooding has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes.
Houston police officers have rescued at least 3,400 people since the storm started, Police Chief Art Acevedo said on Monday. He added that more than 160 police officers' families had been affected by the storm. Many of the officers remain on the job.
The US Coast Guard had rescued an additional 3,000 people, according to Coast Guard Lieutenant Mike Hart. Mr Hart said the Guard is receiving upwards of 1,000 calls per hour.
The Harris County Sheriff's department has reported 14 people killed in the storm thus far. The police officer's death would bring that total to 15.
