New details have emerged about the death of a beloved Carrolton police officer who was killed by a driver while he was backing up a fellow officer on a call.
Officer Steven Nothem was killed by Richard Parker after Parker crashed into Nothem’s squad car. An investigation showed Parker was driving in cruise control at 88 mph when the crash occurred. There were no signs that Parker tried to take evasive action before he crashed into Nothem.
The incident took place on the George Bush Presidential Turnpike on October 18, 2022, according to Carrolton Police.
According to local news outlet WFAA, records from the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office showed Parker’s system had multiple prescribed medications in it at the time of the crash.
Parker was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers initiated measures to save Nothem’s life, but ultimately he was transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano where he was pronounced dead.
Since both individuals died in the crash, Carrolton Police did not pursue criminal charges. The case is now considered closed.
The Dallas Express contacted the Carrolton Police Department for additional information and comment, but offices were closed for the day.
Nothem leaves behind a 13-year-old son, twin 6-year-old sons, and a 1-year-old daughter.
He is the Carrolton Police Department’s first officer to die in the line of duty.