Deputies: HPD officer charged in fatal drunken-driving crash in Fort Bend is free on bond Officer charged with intoxication manslaughter in man's death

Houston Police Officer James Combs, center, leaves Ft. Bend County Sheriff's Office after being charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of 36-year-old Brian Manring on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Houston. less Houston Police Officer James Combs, center, leaves Ft. Bend County Sheriff's Office after being charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of 36-year-old Brian Manring on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in ... more Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Deputies: HPD officer charged in fatal drunken-driving crash in Fort Bend is free on bond 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

A Houston police officer charged with intoxication manslaughter in a fatal head-on crash this month is free on bond following his release Wednesday from the Fort Bend County jail.

A family member of Officer James Combs, of Richmond, posted the $100,000 bail Wednesday afternoon, said Caitilin Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Combs went before a magistrate judge that same day. He faces a felony charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in connection with the two-vehicle wreck, court records show.

As conditions of the bond, Combs must submit to and pay for random alcohol and drug testing, court records show. He also must install at his own expense a deep-lung breath analysis mechanism with a camera in his vehicle within 30 days of his release, using an approved company.

The defendant, who lives in Richmond, cannot have firearms, surrendered his passport and is limited to travel only within Fort Bend and contiguous counties, according to additional bond conditions listed on the warrant for his arrest. He will be monitored by satellite and cannot communicate with the victim's family.

Combs was off-duty and driving a Chevrolet Tahoe around 6:30 a.m. Friday on Beechnut near Westmoor when he collided with a Chevrolet Corvette driven by Brian Manring, 36, also of the Richmond area, according to Fort Bend County authorities.

A gofundme site established by Manring's family said they mourned his loss but celebrated his life, and that "the life he treasured most was that of his 8 year old daughter, Holly."

"Everyone who knew Brian, knew that he lived for his daughter. She was his life!!" said a statement from the Manring family, who is seeking donations to support her.

Deputies said that when they detected the presence of alcohol on the off-duty officer, they asked him to take field sobriety tests, but he refused. Then a warrant was obtained and the officer was taken to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for a blood test as well as for treatment for his minor injuries.

According to the Houston Police Department, Combs was relieved of duty Friday, meaning he would be on paid leave pending an internal investigation. Combs, a patrol officer with the Midwest division, has spent six years on the force.

Combs was released around 7 p.m. Wednesday. His next court date is Sept. 26.