Impossible to get out.

He probably drove into water that was deeper than he thought.

It's very sad.

but can't you get the window down and swim out?

They will go down as long as the car hasn't sunk enough to have water pressing on the window. Once water is on the window, even hand cranked windows won't open due to the force against the glass.

They are pretty inexpensive. I keep one in my console between the seats.

I gave them to every driver in my family one year for Christmas stocking stuffers.

let alone under it.

Even though I'm an old salt I still can't swim very well

That said, I have no idea what the situation was with this officer.

Don't think you'd want to shoot the window out by shooting toward the person in the car. In any event, you are right that no one knows what happened with this policeman.

He chose, against his family's wishes, to go into work. He was driving in the evening when it's even harder to tell the depth of the water on the road. He told his wife "I have work to do". He was a 34 year veteran of HPD, probably looking forward to retirement soon.

Obviously if people could always escape from their vehicles they would. They can't always. People drown.

being able to escape his vehicle. There will be an autopsy, it may show something besides drowning.

Many of these first responders have not slept in days now.

Heartbreaking...

I finally heard from a dear friend last night. Safe at her brother's place, but had water in her house. Everyone else I know in the area are built on higher ground- I'm super thankful, yet heartbroken. Also seeing the Pictures out of Galveston and such... I love the Gulf area. I'm just so sad for everyone experiencing this disaster.

Seems the guy wanted to be out helping people. If the Chief was crying, he maybe knew the guy.

The officer was a sergeant, so the chief knew him better than a general patrolman. He was just a few weeks (days?) shy of his 61 birthday. Read more here:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/houston-officer-dies-heading-work-flood-relief-article-1.3452574

Exhaustion and the confusion it creates kills more people in emergency situations.

Haele

Sad story!!!

They're just now able to recover his body today due to the flooding at I45 and Hardy Toll Road.

Gut wrenching emotion. Rest In Peace fine Officer and Patriot

I was a fireman for 2 years before college. We ALL carried spring-loaded window breakers and strap cutters. Seems like any first responder should have one.

My deepest sympathies to his friends and loved ones.

They are cheap enough.

I've never had to use it, but it's cheap peace of mind.

https://www.amazon.com/StatGear-Tactical-Auto-Rescue-Tool/dp/B0085P4TWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1504036243&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=rescue+tool&psc=1

He was trying to do his part to help. Truly heartbreaking.

Many tragedies are happening as the effects of the storm wreak havoc on Texas. The officials have said repeatedly that many people are missing, and that we won't know how many people have actually died for some time (as after Katrina -- some people were considered "missing" for many months).

I don't know why you titled your post in that way as it seems to imply doubt in the story for some reason (which I don't really understand -- this story was widely covered by reputable sources)? But yes it happened, and it is heartbreaking as this man was going in to HELP other distressed people in need of help, and he leaves behind his family to mourn him. There were be other responders who either die or are seriously injured as they try to help the victims as they are doing life-saving work that is very dangerous. This story is very sad, and this is what heroism is -- an ordinary man risking his life to help people in need.