A seasoned Dallas firefighter was involved in an off-duty accident with an unlawful migrant who allegedly was driving drunk early Sunday morning, leaving the firefighter severely injured.
The loved ones of Kenneth Burke, who has served with Dallas Fire-Rescue for 11 years, are hoping he pulls through as he receives treatment at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
“They have induced a coma. He’s got a lot of internal injuries. He’s had two surgeries so far,” his brother Michael Burke told WFAA.
“We made it through yesterday. Looking to make it through today,” Michael told the news outlet.
Burke was woken up by doctors once, and he managed to flash a thumbs up to those at his bedside.
On December 3, Burke was off duty when he was involved in a collision with an alleged drunk driver at approximately 2:45 a.m. in the 5500 block of Columbia Avenue in Dallas. The crash occurred in District 2, represented by Council Member Jesse Moreno.
Burke was riding his motorcycle when he was allegedly hit by 51-year-old Crescencio Del Rio Rodriguez, who was reportedly driving the wrong way down the road in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. Rodriguez apparently ran over Burke, who had been knocked off his bike.
Rodriguez was arrested at the scene and is currently on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold due to being an unlawful migrant.
The suspect allegedly failed a field sobriety test conducted at the scene of the accident by responding police officers. He blew a blood alcohol level of 0.168, which usually produces a state of drunkenness in which a person might not be able to walk or stay conscious. The legal limit for adults over the age of 21 operating a vehicle in Texas is below 0.08%. Still, “you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability,” per the Texas Department of Transportation.
The suspect faces felony charges of intoxication assault with a vehicle with serious bodily injuries. In 2022, TxDOT found that drunk driving accounted for over one-quarter of all fatal crashes in the state — killing a total of 1,162 people.
With it being the holiday season, TxDOT has launched its “Drive Sober – No Regrets” campaign. As covered by The Dallas Express, several PSAs, billboards, and advertisements at bars, restaurants, and convenience stores will be circulated until January 1.
Over the span of 32 days, beginning on December 1, 2022, a total of 108 people were killed, and 229 people were seriously injured in collisions related to drunk driving statewide, the TxDOT reported.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Police Department has struggled to address and respond to such crimes amid a severe staffing shortage. The force comprises fewer than 3,100 officers, even though a City analysis suggests Dallas needs about 4,000.