A POLICE OFFICER'S SENSELESS DEATH

‘A devastating loss,' Arlington police officer killed in hit-and-run motorcycle crash

The officer was riding a motorcycle near LBJ Freeway on his way to work at the time of the crash 

 

By Hannah Jones 

 

NBC DFW

Sep 21, 2023

 

Officer Darrin McMichael

 

The search continues for a hit-and-run driver who fatally struck an Arlington police officer headed to work Thursday morning on his motorcycle, officials say.

According to officials, the crash occurred at about 6:10 a.m. along Interstate 20 near St. Augustine Drive, near Interstate 20 and Dowdy Ferry Road in Southern Dallas County.

Officials said the fatal crash occurred as cars were coming to a stop in the left lane. The officer, identified as 24-year veteran Darrin McMichael, was riding a motorcycle at the time.

As the cars slowed in front of him, investigators said he could not stop in time and bumped into an SUV, officials said. After hitting the SUV, McMichael fell off his bike, and a dark-colored Dodge or Chrysler-type vehicle ran over him.

The driver of the dark-colored vehicle drove off, driving between the officer's bike and the median wall on the left side of the interstate to get away, officials said. No further information about the vehicle that struck McMichael has been released.

According to officials, McMichael was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Officials said McMichael was a member of the department's Motorcycle Unit, where he had served for the last 13 years. He also served as a patrol officer and as a detective in the North Patrol District during his career with the Arlington Police Department.

Chief Al Jones said McMichael's widow is also an employee of the Arlington Police Department.

"As a former police officer, it always strikes home when something like this happens. We ask that people pray for the family and the colleagues who are there suffering as a result of this tragic incident," said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who is also the father of an Arlington police lieutenant. "It's like losing a brother when something like this happens. It's always in the back of your mind but you're never fully prepared for it."

NBC 5 has learned McMichael's death will be considered a line-of-duty-death.

 

"Number one, it's always hard working major accidents involving injuries and anything like that. But any time it involves a, a law enforcement officer, it's really tough because it's one of your brothers or sisters," said Doug Sisk, with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. "And so it's working, working in accidents, working any kind of calls that involve law enforcement. It's hard because, like I said, they're part of your family."

The westbound lanes of I-20 were closed while officers continued their investigation into the incident. The lanes were reopened shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday. 

Police said they are looking for anyone with dashcam footage of the crash as it could aid in their investigation. Anyone with tips should call the Dallas County Sheriff's Office vehicle crime unit Detective Chaney at 214-589-2323.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

"Number one, it's always hard working major accidents involving injuries and anything like that. But any time it involves a law enforcement officer, it's really tough because it's one of your brothers or sisters," said Doug Sisk with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. "Working any kind of calls that involve law enforcement, it's hard because they're part of your family."