Family, friends, and fellow peace officers are mourning the death of a Fort Worth police officer who was struck by a vehicle allegedly driving the wrong way on an Interstate 35W off-ramp on Monday.
The officer, Sgt. Billy Randolph, was hit as he was assisting at the scene of a fiery 18-wheeler crash that had occurred earlier in the day. The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, 25-year-old De Dujalae Evans, reportedly tried to flee the scene after hitting Randolph.
“After about a quarter mile or so, she finally stopped. She got out and then tried to flee on foot. She was running from the scene.” Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said.
Evans was taken into custody and charged with intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a police officer, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
Randolph served for four years in the U.S. Air Force and then became a police officer. He worked for the Fort Worth Police Department for 29 years.
A temporary memorial has been set up outside the Fort Worth Police Department’s South Patrol Division, where community members have been stopping by with notes, gifts, and flowers to show their love and respect for Randolph.
His family is mourning the loss of a special person who died a hero.
“We lost Bill, a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to many of us,” said family spokesman Robert Mitchell, per Fox 4.
Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez said a few words about Randolph’s commitment to his team.
“He was a supervisor. And usually, supervisors don’t block traffic. But it was something he did because he was always out there with his troops because he truly cared.”
On Wednesday, August 14, — Randolph’s birthday — a prayer vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the police station to remember the fallen officer’s life and dedication to the community.