Houston Police Department

May 29, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the accidental death of a retired Houston Police Sergeant at 14600 Ambrose about 8:05 a.m. today (May 29).

The deceased victim is identified as Patricia L. Fawkes, 69, of 15135 Alrover. She was electrocuted and pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant W.P. Booth and Officer A.D. Brown reported:

The Houston Fire Department received a call for a down power line at West Fuqua and Ambrose St. It was determined that while the Fire Department was enroute to the scene, Ms. Fawkes ran over the power line with her vehicle and the power line became entangled under the carriage of her car. Ms. Fawkes pulled to the curb, exited her vehicle and observed the wire sticking out from under the car. Ms. Fawkes grabbed the line in an attempt to remove it from under her vehicle. She received an electrical shot that appears to have been the cause of her death. The fire department crew arrived and found Ms. Fawkes deceased.

Ms. Fawkes worked for the department since 1958 and retired in 1994. She worked 11 years in the Homicide Division.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.