Dallas Police Officer Dies after Collision with Wrong-Way Driver

A Dallas police officer died after crashing with a wrong-way driver late Tuesday, according to police.

The crash happened shortly before midnight on Spur 408 northbound at West Kiest Boulevard, authorities said. Officer Jacob Arellano, who was beginning his shift and on his way to work, was driving in the middle of three lanes when a sedan going the wrong way struck his SUV. Arellano’s car veered into the right lane, where he was struck again by a tractor-trailer.

Arellano, 25, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but died Wednesday morning. The wrong-way driver was hospitalized in serious condition.

“Please keep Jacob, his son, his girlfriend, and his family in your prayers,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie García tweeted while announcing Arellano’s death. “Rest easy brother.”

Arellano had worked for the department since June 2019, García said in a memo sent to Dallas police officers. García also said a preliminary investigation indicates the wrong-way driver might have been intoxicated.

Arellano had been assigned to the Northwest patrol division and is survived by an infant child and a brother who is also a Dallas police officer, García wrote in the memo.

The department’s traffic unit is investigating the crash. Police have not announced charges against the other driver.

Funeral arrangements for Arellano are pending.

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