Wife of fallen Arlington police officer Darrin McMichael witnessed fatal crash

ARLINGTON (CBSNewsTexas.com) - The Arlington Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, 24-year veteran officer Darrin McMichael.

Police said that early Thursday morning, the Arlington native was involved in a crash near I-20 and Dowdy Ferry Road in Dallas. He was headed into work for the day. His wife, who's also an Arlington police officer was following behind and saw his motorcycle bump into a car. McMichael then reportedly lost control and fell of his bike. Another car, described as dark in color, struck McMichael. The driver of that car didn't stop to help and took off. 

After the crash, first responders took McMichael to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased from his injuries.

"They are searching for the vehicle involved. Anyone out there with information, please contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. Please turn yourself in," Chief of Police Al Jones told reporters during a Sept. 21 news conference.

McMichael was a member of the department's Motorcycle Unit, where he served honorably for the last 13 years. He also served as a patrol officer and detective in the North Patrol District. 

He graduated from Sam Houston High School before attending college, according to a social media post from the department from ten years ago. He was awarded a baccalaureate degree with dual majors from the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Before joining the police department in 1999, he worked at Bell Helicopter. 

"Officer Darrin McMichael was a respected and beloved member of our APD family," shared Jones. "We are heartbroken and we are hurting. This is a devastating loss that will be felt for a long time. Please pray for his wife, who is also an APD employee, his family, his friends, and his APD family. They need all the support they can get right now."

White Settlement Chief of Police Christopher Cook shared memories of McMichael on social media, saying: "Going back through some memories on my phone of Officer Darrin McMichael on my phone that we posted at APD. We worked a lot of Six Flags events together and he was always in department photos based upon his dedication and service to community! Heartbroken for the APD family, his wife, and immediately family and friends."

Jones also shared that the department is providing counseling to McMichael's colleagues. 

"We have to make sure that our officers are well. We have our peer counselors out there with our officers," he said. 

As word of McMichael's death spread, fellow officers from all over North Texas gathered at Baylor Hospital. They formed a somber processional to escort his body to the medical examiner's office.  

The Dallas County Sheriff's Department is investigating the fatal crash.

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