Reward increased for info on hit-and-run crash that killed Arlington officer

ARLINGTON, Texas - The reward to find the person responsible for a hit-and-run that killed an Arlington police officer has increased to $20,000.

Tuesday, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office held a news conference to give an update on the investigation into the hit-and-run crash that killed motorcycle officer Darrin McMichael.

Law enforcement says they are still working to identify the driver who ran over McMichael while he was driving to work on Thursday, Sept. 21.

"If this person is listening, please do the right thing and turn yourself in. And if you don't, we will find you," said Arlington Police Officer William Bill, who rode in the same unit as McMichael. "He was a cowboy, a motorcycle enthusiast, a friend and a leader."

Arlington police pleaded for anyone with video of the incident on I-20, near Dowdy Ferry Road, from Thursday morning around 6 a.m. to share it with them.

Arlington police are dedicating three of its own investigators to assist the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office in this case. 

Investigators say they do have tips coming in but only of a vague description. 

"The best description we have of the suspect vehicle at this time is a dark-colored sedan," said Sgt. Miguel Hernandez with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. "We are asking businesses along the stretch of I-20 between Highway 175 and I-45 to check their surveillance footage on Thursday morning around 6 a.m. to see if anything was captured."

Sheriff's officials say it was not completely daylight at 6 a.m. and the area does not have traffic camera, a fact that underscores their appeal.

"We also know there are many 18-wheelers with dash cam video. We are also asking any trucking companies that have had drivers pass through Dallas and I-20 Thursday morning around the same time between 6 a.m. and 6:05 to review their footage to see if anything was captured," said Hernandez.

Oak Farms Dairy is offering a $15,000 reward, in addition to the $5,000 reward offered by North Texas Crime Stoppers for information that helps lead to an arrest and indictment.

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Arlington police officer killed in hit-and-run crash while on his way to work

Arlington Officer Darrin McMichael was killed in an early morning accident on I-20 in Southeast Dallas while he was on his way to work. Police are now searching for an SUV that left the scene after running over the officer.

The community support for Officer McMichael's family, through donations and a growing memorial is clearly evident.

Authorities hope the same rings true for the investigation.

"We believe someone out there knows who’s responsible for this, and we need anyone who has information to call us," said Sgt. Hernandez.

"We are asking the community, we are calling 911 and asking for your help in helping us apprehend the individual Who killed Officer Darrin McMichael," said Officer Bill.

McMichael was a 24-year veteran of the Arlington Police Department.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-373-8477. 

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line is 214-749-5189.

Visitation Held for Fallen Officer

The police community gathered for the visitation for Officer McMichael.

At the top of a firetruck ladder, an American flag waved outside the Wade Funeral Home Tuesday. 

Fellow officers, family members and friends embraced during a difficult time in the city of Arlington. 

"It will be a little more joyful than probably tomorrow.  It’s a good time to come together understanding tomorrow is going to be difficult," said Arlington Deputy Chief Leo Daniels.

Tuesday evening, the visitation was held for Officer McMichael.

"The fact that we don’t have that closure yet does make it more difficult, but we are pushing through," Daniels said.

"No one wants justice more than myself and the fellow members of the Arlington Police Department," said Arlington Police Sgt. Grand Gildon.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Crossroads Church in Grand Prairie. It’s open to the public.