Authorities said an off-duty Houston police officer died early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Montgomery County.

Erik M. Tellez, a sergeant with the Houston METRO Police Department, died in the crash, which occurred at about 1 a.m. Monday in Porter. No one else was in the vehicle at the time of the crash and no other injuries were reported.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, investigators believe Tellez was visiting a friend prior to the crash. At some point, Tellez took the friend’s 1954 Chevrolet sedan out for a drive, authorities said.

The name of Tellez’ friend was not publicly disclosed.

He apparently struck a tree at a high speed, causing extreme damage to the vehicle. Emergency responders said Tellez was trapped inside the vehicle by the time they arrived at the scene.

Tellez died from his injuries before he could be transported to an area hospital or treatment, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. It’s unclear what conditions or facts are believed to have led to the crash.

The Houston METRO Police Department’s primary focus is “to help keep (the city’s) transit system moving safely and securely.” The agency has been in service for more than 30 years.

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