Texas PD employee dies while trying to drive to work during hurricane

Houston Police Department Information Security Officer Russell Richardson, 54, died after his vehicle was submerged in floodwaters

July 09, 2024 11:16 AM

By Joanna Putman
Police1

HOUSTON — A Houston Police Department employee has died while driving to work as Hurricane Beryl caused flooding, KHOU reported.

Trending

Police Recruitment

All officers in S.C. PD quit after city council denies raises

The two officers and the chief who made up the Johnsonville Police Department have resigned, even after the city council voted not to dissolve the agency

July 07, 2026 12:05 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Ohio officer killed, 4 others wounded in shooting during disturbance call

Rittman Sgt. Scott Ries was killed, four officers and a Wayne County sheriff’s K-9 were wounded, and the suspected gunman was found dead inside the home

July 06, 2026 07:18 PM

Arrests and Sentencing

Calif. police arrest 400 during Fourth of July beach disturbances

As crowds in Newport Beach grew, individuals blocked roadways and threw explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at police officers, into densely packed crowds and near children

July 07, 2026 11:05 AM

NYPD

NYPD officer struck by friendly fire during encounter with armed 18-year-old

Det. Robert Karroll was shot in the back of his ballistic vest as officers confronted an 18-year-old who fired into a passing vehicle before approaching an unmarked NYPD vehicle

July 07, 2026 05:31 PM

Information Security Officer Russell Richardson, 54, died on July 8 after his car was submerged in floodwaters, Mayor John Whitmire announced during a news conference.

Richardson was on his way to work when he exited I-45 and encountered high water at an underpass, according to the report. He called his HPD colleagues for help, but they were unable to rescue him.

“We ask everyone to keep Russell’s family—his wife and children—and his co-workers and friends in your prayers,” Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite said in a post on social media.

During the news conference, Whitmire and other city leaders paused for a moment of silence to honor Richardson, according to the report.