'A devastating loss': Texas officer killed in hit-and-run on highway while driving to work

By Harriet Ramos
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

ARLINGTON, Texas — An Arlington police officer was killed on his way to work Thursday morning in a hit-and-run accident on Interstate 20 westbound in Dallas, officials said.

Officer Darrin McMichael was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, the Arlington Police Department said in a news release.

Around 6:30 a.m. the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department sent out an alert on social media that westbound I-20 was closed at the Saint Augustine exit due to a major accident.

Doug Sisk, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department, said a little after 6 a.m. a sport utility vehicle in the far left-hand lane reduced speed due to slow traffic ahead. McMichael’s motorcycle hit the SUV and the officer fell onto the left-hand shoulder of the road.

A dark-colored sedan ran over McMichael as he lay on the shoulder of the freeway and kept going. Sisk said their main priority right now is to find that car and driver.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident. Officials are looking for a dark-colored Dodge or Chrysler car and asking that anyone who has dashcam video of the accident to contact Detective Chaney at 214-589-2323.

McMichael worked with the Arlington Police Department for 24 years and with the Motorcycle Unit for 13. He’d also worked as a patrol officer and a detective in Arlington’s north patrol district, according to the release.

Police Chief Al Jones asked for prayers for McMichael’s wife, who is also employed with the Arlington Police Department, and his friends and colleagues.

“Officer Darrin McMichael was a respected and beloved member of our APD family,” Jones said. “We are heartbroken and we are hurting. This is a devastating loss that will be felt for a long time.”

 

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