Police sergeant working crash killed by suspected drunken driver
A police sergeant died in the line of duty when a suspected intoxicated driver hit him with her car while he was helping to clean up a crash scene on a Texas interstate.
Fort Worth Police responded early Monday to the scene of a crash on Interstate 35 after a tractor-trailer hit a guardrail and caught fire. No one was hurt, but police closed the interstate to clean up.
“It was clear that there was an accident. It was clear that the road was blocked off. This person still ran through,” Police Chief Neil Noakes said.
Noakes says during the cleanup, 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans drove the wrong way up the exit ramp and hit Police Sgt. Billy Randolph. The sergeant was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“We have a lot of hard days in policing, but none are as hard as this,” said Noakes at a press conference. “Our hearts are broken.”
Police say Evans tried to flee after hitting Randolph, but she was taken into custody by officers on scene. Investigators believe she was drunk, and a toxicology report is pending.
“Ms. Evans made a decision, and her decision was to get behind the wheel drunk. Because she did that, we lost one of Fort Worth’s finest,” Noakes said.
Randolph, who was a husband, father and grandfather, spent 29 years with the police department and four years in the Air Force. He was planning to retire soon, according to Robert Mitchell, a family friend.
Mitchell says Randolph was a good man.
“A faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and a good friend of many of us,” he said.
Law enforcement officers from around the Dallas-Fort Worth area lined the streets, saluting as a hearse carried Randolph’s body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office. His family also attended the procession.
“I want people to see him not just as a hero and a police officer but as a man, a human being, part of this community, part of our city,” Noakes said.
Police will host a vigil for Randolph on Wednesday, which would have been his birthday.
Evans’ charges in the incident include intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer or firefighter. Her bond was set at $750,000.
Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia
Fatal car accidents continue to claim lives at an alarming rate across the United States.
According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) each week, over 770 lives are lost in fatal collisions nationwide, equating to over one hundred individuals each day and upwards of 40,000 annually. Many of these accidents are caused by drivers engaging in reckless behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, distractions, and failure to yield.
The consequences of these fatal accidents extend far beyond emotional despair, often leading to significant financial hardships for the families left behind. Covering funeral and burial expenses, which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars, adds an overwhelming burden to an already grieving family.
Legal Support and Seeking Justice for Victims
For those grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one due to a tragic accident, seeking legal recourse can provide a vital path to justice and compensation. Engaging a personal injury lawyer is crucial in securing the deserved compensation, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures during such a tumultuous time.
As we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Arlexia Taylor, our commitment to seeking justice and accountability for all those impacted by this devastating event remains unwavering.
Tobin Injury Law: A Commitment to Justice and Support
Law firms specializing in workplace safety and personal injury, like Tobin Injury Law, are primed to support victims and their families in navigating the complexities of such cases.
At Tobin Injury Law, we stand committed to justice, offering empathetic support and dedicated representation to those affected by tragic accidents in Georgia. We understand the profound impact that such incidents have on families and are here to support you through your darkest hours. Our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys strive to achieve justice and equitable compensation for our clients, allowing them to focus on healing and recovery.
If you require legal assistance from a car accident lawyer following a fatal accident caused by negligence, we encourage you to reach out to us for a complimentary case evaluation. By allowing us to handle the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on healing and recovery with your family.