In a tragic incident early Thursday morning, a cherished police officer in Arlington, Texas, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident that occurred while he was commuting on his motorcycle.
Public Assistance Urged in Identifying the Culprit
Dallas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Doug Sisk made a plea to the public for assistance in locating the responsible individual who fatally struck Officer McMichael. He stated in a message to KDFW, “We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity and has dashcam footage or witnessed the incident to come forward. We are actively searching for the vehicle involved in the accident.”
Arlington Police Department Announces the Tragedy
The Arlington Police Department conveyed the heartbreaking news via a Facebook post, stating, “Early Thursday morning, the Arlington Police Department was informed of an accident involving an APD officer near I-20 and Dowdy Ferry Road in Dallas while he was en route to work for his scheduled shift.”
Officer McMichael’s Tragic Passing
The post continued, reporting that Officer McMichael was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, stating, “Officer Darrin McMichael, Badge #1805, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.”
A Distinguished Career Remembered
The department provided a brief overview of Officer McMichael’s distinguished career, highlighting, “Officer McMichael served the Arlington Police Department for 24 years and was a dedicated member of our Motorcycle Unit, where he honorably served for the past 13 years. Throughout his career with APD, he also held roles as a patrol officer and detective in our North Patrol District.”
Chief of Police Al Jones Expresses Grief
The message included a statement from Chief of Police Al Jones, who expressed, “Officer Darrin McMichael was a respected and beloved member of our APD family. Our hearts are heavy, and the pain runs deep. This loss is devastating, and its impact will be long-lasting. We ask for prayers and support for his wife, who is also an APD employee, his family, friends, and our APD family. They need all the strength and solidarity they can receive at this time.”
Gratitude for Overwhelming Support
In a subsequent message, the Arlington Police Department extended gratitude to the public for their overwhelming support and heartfelt messages, stating, “We are profoundly appreciative of everyone who has reached out to us today. Your outpouring of support, love, and kind words has been a source of great strength during this challenging time.”
Honoring Officer McMichael’s Legacy
The message acknowledged Officer McMichael’s widespread popularity and respect beyond the police department, mentioning that a Traffic Enforcement vehicle was stationed outside the main station for community members to pay their respects. The post concluded with a request to “continue to keep his family, friends, and APD family in your thoughts and prayers. #ArlingtonTX.”
Mayor Jim Ross Calls for Prayers
Additionally, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross also commented on the tragic incident, saying, “As a former police officer, events like this always hit close to home. We ask that people offer their prayers for the grieving family and colleagues affected by this heartbreaking event.”
