Fort Worth officer killed by suspected drunk driver | LiveNOW from FOX

Fort Worth officer killed by suspected drunk driver | LiveNOW from FOX
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth police officer died at the hospital Monday morning after being struck by a suspected drunken driver at a crash scene.

Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph was helping at the scene of a fiery crash on southbound Interstate 35W at Sycamore School Road.

That initial crash happened around 2:30 a.m. An 18-wheeler hit a wall while exiting the freeway and caught on fire. The driver of the 18-wheeler made it out with only minor injuries.

The interstate and service roads were shut down while first responders worked to clean up after the fire and fuel spill.

Fort Worth police said a vehicle drove through the barricades after 5:30 a.m. and struck Sgt. Randolph, who was standing next to his squad vehicle. He was rushed to JPS Hospital but did not survive.

Fort Worth officer struck at I-35W crash scene

A Fort Worth police officer was hit by a vehicle while working at the scene of a fiery crash on Interstate 35W. FOX 4's Shannon Murray talks about what we know so far.

"Sgt Randolph passed away today a hero serving the city of Fort Worth in the line of duty," said Fort Worth PD Chief Neil Noakes. "Our hearts are broken. Sgt. Randolph had been with the department for almost 30 years. I've been here 24, and I don't know the department without him."

Fort Worth PD announces officer's death
Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph was killed while working an accident scene on Monday morning. Fort Worth police say Randolph was hit and killed by a car on 35W.

The department said Randolph was a father, husband, brother, son, and friend. He was assigned to the South Patrol.

Hundreds of people, including police, firefighters, city and hospital staff, gathered outside of JPS to honor Sgt. Randolph. His body was driven inside a police vehicle from the hospital to the medical examiner's office.

Procession for Fort Worth Sgt. Billy Randolph
North Texas police officers gathered to honor Fort Worth Police Department veteran Billy Randolph. Sgt. Randolph was hit and killed by a car on Monday morning.

During the procession, the sergeant's family was comforted and shielded with support as a legion of police officers and first responders made their honor and respect for their ultimate sacrifice clear.

The driver of the vehicle that hit Sgt. Randolph, 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans of Fort Worth is now in police custody.

De Aujalae Evans

Police say Evans drove the wrong way up an exit ramp and hit Randolph. After the crash, Evans drove for about a quarter mile and then tried to run away from the crash, according to police. She was then apprehended by officers.

Evans has been charged with intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer.

"I don't know how many more times we have to say it. There is no excuse for drinking and driving," said Noakes. "Ms. Evans made a decision, and her decision was to get behind the wheel drunk. And because she did that we lost one of Fort Worth's finest."

Fort Worth Police took a blood sample from Evans. The results of the test are expected to come back soon.

She will be booked into the Tarrant County Jail where she will be held on $750,000 bond.
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