TEXAS CITY, Texas – Authorities are searching the water near the Texas City Dike for the Kemah police chief, who fell off a boat Friday afternoon.
The Coast Guard and other agencies are searching for Chris Reed, who they said went into the water without a life jacket north of the dike around 4 p.m.
VIDEO: Officials provide updates on search for Kemah police chief near Texas City Dike
Witnesses said Reed fell into the water when the fishing boat he was on was hit by a large wake. His wife was on board at the time of the incident but didn't go overboard and was not injured.
The couple was about a mile and a half off the dike at the time of the incident.
Officials said Reed's wife called authorities after he went overboard.
Reed is a retired Army paratrooper and former city manager for League City and Nassau Bay. He is also on the Clear Creek Independent School District board.
"Number one, he’s just a great cop, just to start off with. He’s been in this county a long time, working for several different agencies," Texas City Police Chief Joe Stanton said. "He was a big part of Kemah and everything they were accomplishing and going over there. He was a big part of this Galveston County community as far as law enforcement. We’re a tight-knit group. He’s one of ours. And, we’re out there and we’re gonna find him."
The dike is a 5-mile-long pier that stretches into Galveston Bay. It's a popular boating and beach area.
Clear Creek ISD issued the following statement:
"Our prayers are with (Reed’s wife) Jana and her family. Chris has and always will be a beacon and light for children. We are at a loss of words and hope that we find him."
The search continues for Kemah Chief of Police Chris Reed. He fell from a boat yesterday, near the Texas City Dike. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chief, his family, and the Kemah community. pic.twitter.com/FIOjRB5jVG
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) June 8, 2019