Fort Worth police officer investigating crash killed by suspected drunk driver
FORT WORTH, Texas - A 25-year-old woman is accused of driving drunk the wrong way on a highway ramp before striking and killing a 29-year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department.
Police say the driver struck Sgt. Billy Randolph when he was working a Monday morning crash scene involving an 18-wheeler on I-35W at Sycamore School Road.
Ring camera video near the scene in Fort Worth shows the aftermath of first responders running toward the officer after he was hit to try and save him. Despite their best efforts, they were not able to bring him back.
Sgt. Billy Randolph
A memorial service is scheduled for later this week on what would have been his birthday.
Sgt. Randolph was working a crash that happened around 2:30 a.m. The initial collision involved an 18-wheeler, which caught fire and caused a fuel spill.
With the interstate blocked off, police say 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans drove the wrong way on the exit ramp and struck Randolph, who was standing next to his squad vehicle. He was rushed to JPS Hospital but did not survive.
"She continued driving trying to flee the scene," said Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes. "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."
Evans was eventually taken into custody, and a blood draw was taken. She’s currently charged with intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer.
Ring doorbell video sent to FOX 4 shows Evans’ Nissan Versa taking off from the scene as people ran to Randolph’s aid.
"I don’t know how many more times I have to say it: there is no excuse for drinking and driving," Noakes said. "Ms. Evans made a decision. And her decision was to get behind the wheel drunk. And because she did that, we lost one of Fort Worth's finest."
Fort Worth Police: Drunk driver hit, killed sergeant
Fort Worth police give an update on the death of Sergeant Billy Randolph. Randolph was working the scene of a crash on Monday morning when 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans allegedly drove the wrong way up an exit ramp, hitting and killing the 29-year police veteran.
Flags remained at half-staff Monday at Fort Worth’s south division. Flowers, balloons, and messages of gratitude were placed on the hood of a Fort Worth cruiser as a tribute to Randolph.
Hundreds of people, including police, firefighters, city and hospital staff, gathered outside of JPS to honor Sgt. Randolph. His body was driven inside a police vehicle from the hospital to the medical examiner's office.
During the procession, the sergeant's family was comforted and shielded with support as a legion of police officers and first responders made their honor and respect for their ultimate sacrifice clear.
"We lost Billy, a faithful husband, father, grandfather brother, son and good friend to many of us<’ said Robert Mitchell, a family spokesperson.
Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez says Fort Worth lost a leader who committed his life to his community.
"He was a supervisor. And usually, supervisors don’t block traffic," he said. "But it was something he did because he was always out there with his troops because he truly cared."
Chief Noakes says Randolph passed away as a hero who served the city of Fort Worth.
"He was a selfless guy who always thought of others ahead of himself and willing, obviously, to put himself in harm's way to protect not only his team but also protect residents here in Fort Worth," the chief said.
De Aujalae Evans
Investigators are waiting for Evans’ blood test to come back, which could take up to 48 hours. She is being held in the Tarrant County Jail on a $750,000 bond.
There will be a prayer vigil at the south division Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., which would have been Randolph’s birthday.
The officer's family says information about funeral plans will be released as they are finalized.
Randolph leaves behind a wife, Lisa, and a daughter, Kayla.