A local organization collected donated items and raffled them off last weekend to raise money for the family of a fallen Arlington police officer.
The Mini Coopers of Texas Club hosted the charity raffle on Sunday, with all proceeds being donated to the family of Officer Darrin McMichael, per NBC 5 DFW.
Club member Nick Scalisi said the goal was just to “be able to help the family.”
“A company will donate a product, you get so excited,” he said, per NBC 5. “And then you go back to ‘wow, he’s gone,’ and it’s senseless.”
The club will accept donations via its website for the rest of the week.
McMichael was killed in a hit-and-run traffic accident on his way to work on Thursday, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
He was traveling on the I-20 on a motorcycle when traffic came to an abrupt stop. McMichael could not stop in time and bumped the vehicle in front of him, causing him to be knocked off his bike and into the next lane of traffic.
Witnesses said McMichael was then struck by a dark-colored Dodge or Chrysler sedan that fled the scene following the incident, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Since McMichael was traveling to work at the time of his death, it is considered an on-duty death by the Arlington Police Department, per The Dallas Express.
Doug Sisk, a spokesperson for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, is asking the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle that struck McMichael.
“What we’re asking the public for is if anybody was in this area that’s got dash cam video or saw anything, please let us know because we’re looking for that vehicle that ran over the individual,” he said, per Fox 4 News.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said following the death that “it always strikes home when something like this happens” due to his connection with the police force.
“We ask that people pray for the family and the colleagues that are there suffering as a result of this tragic event,” Ross said.
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones said McMichael was a well-known and beloved member of the community.
“Many in our community interacted with him riding his motorcycle, and they grew to love him, as we all did,” said Jones, per NBC 5 DFW.
“The days and weeks ahead will be difficult,” he added.
McMichael’s funeral, which is open to the public, will be held Wednesday at the Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m., per Fox 4.
