TABC joins investigation into off-duty Euless officer death by alleged drunk driver
LAKE WORTH, Texas - Police say the man accused of driving drunk and killing a Euless police officer admitted he had the equivalent of six drinks over two hours’ time.
Police say the suspect told them he was "enjoying himself."
Investigators also think he drank a lot more than he admitted. They also found a THC-laced vape pen.
Dylan Molina, 26, is charged with intoxication manslaughter for the Saturday afternoon crash that killed Euless Police Detective Alex Cervantes and injured his wife and sons.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is now partnering with Lake Worth police on the investigation.
"This is a series of poor decisions," said Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian.
Police documents say Molina admitted he drank "three double vodka Red Bull drinks" during a two-hour period at a nearby Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Saturday afternoon and "purchased a significant amount of alcohol."
Police say a search warrant executed on Sunday at Fuzzy’s uncovered he spent more than $100. Police believe he was served more than those three drinks.
"Yes, we do believe that he was over-served," Manoushagian said.
Witnesses report Molina hit a car while leaving Fuzzy’s and sped away. Police say he ran a red light, crashing into Euless Police Detective Alex Cervantes’ car.
"From his house to Fuzzy’s where he was drinking is a mile or less," Manoushagian said.
Cervantes was killed. His wife remains in critical but stable condition. Their two sons, 10 and 11 years old, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
"I hate that it is at detective Cervantes’ account that we once again ask people and beg people not to drink and drive. Not to drive while impaired," Manoushagian said.
The affidavit says Molina tried to run away from the crash site, but a neighbor tackled him.
"First thing I saw was a guy running away from the scene and another guy running after him saying, ‘You’re not going to run away from this!’ And then he just tackled him," recalled neighbor Lauren King.
Police say Molina agreed to a breathalyzer. It came back nearly two times the legal limit for alcohol.
And following his arrest, police found a THC vape pen.
"We now believe that alcohol was not the only impairing factor at play," Manoushagian said.
An initial public records search for Molina does not show history of a criminal background.
The new details come as support for Cervantes’ family is growing. Flowers were left outside Euless PD headquarters in his honor. One group, Brotherhood for the Fallen, is organizing a donation drive with details soon to be announced.
Molina’s bond is $300,000. That’s for intoxication manslaughter and charges related to the injuries of the three passengers. Fuzzy’s did not return FOX 4’s request for comment.
RELATED:
Procession held for Euless PD detective killed by suspected drunk driver
Euless PD detective killed by suspected drunk driver while driving with family