Houston Police Officer Dies in Crash During Traffic Escort

A Houston police officer died Wednesday following an on-duty crash while providing a traffic escort.

Senior Houston Police Officer Alex Roberts was working as part of the department's Solo Motorcycle Detail just before 4:30 p.m. in Anderson County when the crash happened, the agency stated in a social media post. He was struck by another vehicle at the time, but no details were released surrounding how the crash happened or the nature of the escort.

The crash is under investigation by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, KHOU-TV reports.

Roberts' body was escorted back to Houston by law enforcement officers. He had been with the department since 2010.

“Senior Police Officer Roberts faithfully served the Houston Police Department with honor and dedication. His loss is felt deeply within our department and the community he proudly served,” Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. told KHOU.

Also on Wednesday, the city lost a longtime firefighter-paramedic days after suffering an on-duty medical emergency. Stephen Scott had a medical issue Sunday while transporting a patient, and he died Wednesday following complications from surgery.

"Tonight, our city mourns the heartbreaking loss of Houston Senior Police Officer Alex Roberts and Houston Firefighter-Paramedic Stephen Scott," Mayor John Whitmire said ina  statement. "I am saddened by both tragic incidents that claimed their lives in the line of duty and ask Houstonians to join me in prayers for their families, colleagues, and all who loved them. Their sacrifice reminds us of the sacrifice, courage, and commitment of those who protect and serve our city every day."