HPD Vehicle Pulled From Duty After Officer Overcome By Fumes

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Police Department has pulled one of its Ford Explorer Interceptors from service after a Houston Police officer reported symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Houston police officer was driving a 2016 Ford Explorer when he began experiencing headaches and drowsiness, and other symptoms related to carbon monoxide exposure.

Houston Police removed the Ford Explorer from service, and the officer was taken to Memorial City Hermann Hospital out of abundance of caution, KPRC reported.

The officer, who has since been released and was not identified, had just returned from a weeks vacation, but had reported similar symptoms before he took time off.

RELATED: Galveston PD Pulls 27 Ford Explorers From Patrol Fleet

Fears of carbon monoxide poisoning have prompted law enforcement agencies that use the Ford Explorers as police interceptors to remove the vehicles from service.

Last week, the Galveston Police Department removed 27 Ford Explorers from service, and in July, the Austin Police Department removed more than 400 from patrol.

Officials from Ford Motor Company issued a statement on the Explorer:

"Ford has worked side-by-side with more than a dozen police agencies nationwide to inspect and repair more than 50 vehicles in cities and towns, such as Auburn, Massachusetts, and Galveston, Texas. While there have been reports of exhaust odors in some non-police Explorers, those instances are unrelated to reports of carbon monoxide described by some police departments. If a vehicle has such an odor, customers should bring it to a Ford dealer to address that issue. Ford’s investigation into this matter continues. However, while inspecting police vehicles throughout the country, company engineers consistently have found similar types of holes and unsealed spaces in the back of some Police Interceptor Utilities that had police equipment installed after leaving Ford’s factory. When a police or fire department routinely installs customized emergency lighting, radios and other equipment, they have to drill wiring access holes into the rear of the vehicle. If the holes are not properly sealed, it creates openings where exhaust could enter the cabin."

To address this, Ford will cover the costs of specific repairs in every Police Interceptor Utility that may have this concern, regardless of age, mileage or aftermarket modifications made after purchase.

As part of this action, Ford will:

• Check and seal off the rear of the vehicle where exhaust can enter.
• Provide a new air conditioning calibration that brings in more fresh air during heavy acceleration typical of police driving.
• Check for engine codes that could indicate a damaged exhaust manifold.

Ford officials said they will continue investigating all reports from its police customers, including the exhaust manifold issue referenced by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Meanwhile, the Houston Police Department said the SUV will remain out of service until it can be thoroughly examined, but the department will not be removing the Ford Explorer fleet from patrol, like other departments have done already in other jurisdictions.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the department will continue to monitor their fleet, and will work to determine if there is a carbon monoxide leak.

If a customer believes their Ford Explorer or other Ford vehicle may be experiencing an issue, they should bring it to a Ford dealer for inspection. Customers also can call a dedicated hotline at 888-260-5575.

Image: Christopher Ebdon via Flickr Commons

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