‘I want us to pray’: Police chief says 20-year veteran HPD officer ‘fighting for his life’ after vehicle struck by train in north Houston

HOUSTON – An off-duty officer with the Houston Police Department is “fighting for his life” after his vehicle collided with a train in north Houston Wednesday morning, according to HPD Chief Troy Finner.

Finner said the officer, Vidal Lopez, was heading to work in his personal vehicle when it was struck by a train at a crossing track in the 6700 block of Fulton Street.

Lopez, a 20-year veteran of the force, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

Finner said Lopez, 42, is married and his wife is currently pregnant.

Finner is asking the public to pray for Lopez and his family, and all law enforcement and first responders.

He praised the paramedics and emergency crews with HFD Engine 30, Ambulance 30 and Medic 31 for their “outstanding job of getting our brother to the hospital.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation.