City of Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia reported that officer Jacob Arellano died following an auto accident on Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share that, after a brave fight … Officer Jacob Arellano, died this morning as a result of his injuries sustained in the head on collision,” the chief related.
It is with a heavy heart that I share that, after a brave fight, @DallasPD Officer Jacob Arellano, died this morning as a result of his injuries sustained in the head on collision. Please keep Jacob, his son, his girlfriend, and his family in your prayers. Rest easy brother…
— Eddie Garcia (@DPDChiefGarcia) October 12, 2022
Arellano was on his way to work on October 11 at 11:48 p.m. and driving in the middle lane of three lanes on northbound Spur 408 near West Kiest Boulevard, according to the DPD Beat. A sedan going the wrong way hit the front left of his SUV.
The collision pushed Arellano’s vehicle into the right lane, where a tractor-trailer hit it. The SUV rolled several times before coming to a stop on the right side of the road, according to DPD.
Arellano was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition, while the wrong-way driver, who a preliminary investigation has determined may have been intoxicated, was airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt.
All northbound lanes of traffic were closed for a time while police investigated the collision, according to ABC News.
People throughout the city offered their condolences.
Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted, Our city mourns his tragic loss and stands with his loved ones and his
@DallasPD colleagues.”
Officer Arellano has a beautiful family who will need our continuing support in the days ahead. Our city mourns his tragic loss and stands with his loved ones and his @DallasPD colleagues. https://t.co/k3jUtBCHIw
— Mayor Eric L. Johnson (@Johnson4Dallas) October 12, 2022
Members of the police department escorted Officer Arellano late Wednesday afternoon, tweeting, “It was our honor to escort our brother today. Thank you for the support you’ve shown to Officer Arellano’s family, friends, and to the men and women of the @DallasPD.”
It was our honor to escort our brother today.
Thank you for the support you’ve shown to Officer Arellano’s family, friends, and to the men and women of the @DallasPD. pic.twitter.com/tYb7o5yATr— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) October 12, 2022
Arellano served alongside his brother, who also is a member of the Dallas Police Department. Additionally, he “is survived by his parents, girlfriend, and infant child.”
