A Dallas police officer was killed early Saturday morning when a driver crashed into the officer’s squad car, which hit the officer, the Dallas Morning News reported.
Officer Mitchell Penton was directing traffic around an accident near northbound U.S. Highway 75 and Walnut Hill Lane around 1:45 a.m. when 32-year-old Phillip Mabry ran his Kia Forte into the officer’s car. Penton’s emergency lights were on, and witnesses said Mabry was driving at a high speed.
Penton, who joined the police department in 2019, died at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Mabry, who was not injured, was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter of a police officer and intoxication assault. There was a woman in the passenger seat of Mabry’s car, and she was taken to the hospital for trauma to her chest area and a cut on her face.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Mayor Eric Johnson and Gov. Greg Abbott all expressed condolences and support for Penton’s family, including his wife, who is pregnant with their first child.
“Our hearts are heavy right now,” Garcia said. “This young officer had such a bright future ahead of him. We ask that the community join us as we pray for the officer’s family. We would also like to extend that prayer to the brave men and women of this great department.”
Officers lined up outside the hospital as Penton’s body was carried in a casket covered with an American flag.
Tragic night for us. This, a small sign of respect and admiration for a fallen brother and his family. Thank you to all Fire/EMS and to Baylor Medical Center for your tireless efforts. Rest easy, hero. We’ll take it from here. pic.twitter.com/Dxu0AO06a8
— Eddie Garcia (@DPDChiefGarcia) February 13, 2021