A Dallas police officer was hit by an alleged intoxicated driver in the early hours of Saturday morning while directing traffic around a road accident.
Around 1:45 a.m., the Dallas officer was blocking traffic with the emergency lights of his squadron car on after an accident on the northbound lanes of the North Central Expressway on Walnut Hill Lane.
A man driving a Kia Forte at high speed struck the officer when he was out of his patrol car to direct traffic from a previous incident.
The officer was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. His identity has not been released.
The officer leaves behind a woman who is pregnant with her first child, according to police officials. He was hired in March 2019.
“Our department is in mourning again, but the strength of his family encourages us,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said in a tweet. “God speeded up my brother.”
Police said the driver of the vehicle that hit the officer was found intoxicated. Charges are pending.
Neither the driver nor his passenger were injured, according to police.
Police said the steep, icy roads were not a factor in the crash.
The road is closed while police continue to investigate the incident.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said in a written statement that Dallas was mourning the loss of the officer.
“He died too young, but the measure of a life is not longevity, but what someone does with the time he has. And this officer devoted his time to serving our great city in an intrinsically dangerous job.” said Johnson. “We are indebted to him forever and heartbroken for this tragedy. I am praying today for his family, friends and colleagues. I know our city will provide them with love and support as we seek justice.”