LUFKIN, Texas — An East Texas sheriff died Thursday when his patrol car crashed while he pursued a possible suspect.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says Trinity County Sheriff Brent Lee was was pronounced dead at the scene of the 4 a.m. crash on FM 3453 in Trinity County near Lake Livingston, about 15 miles northeast of Huntsville.
The DPS report says Lee's car swerved off the road and slammed into a utility pole and a pine tree. He was thrown from the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria.
The car was engulfed in flames after the wreck, according to the report.
Lee was driving in wet and foggy weather without wearing a seat belt, the DPS said.
The Trinity County Sheriff's Department in Groveton did not respond to messages from The Associated Press.