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Nearly five months following a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of an Arlington Police motorcycle officer, Dallas County Sheriffs have announced the arrest of a suspect.
Joshua Quintairo Watson, 26, hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, was apprehended in North Texas by members of a U.S. Marshals Task Force based on a warrant related to the September 2023 crash that resulted in the death of Arlington Police motorcycle officer Darrin McMichael.
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office indicated that they obtained the warrant on Wednesday, though they did not disclose the specifics of how Watson was identified as a suspect in the crash. Watson has been charged with an accident involving death, categorized as a 2nd-degree felony.
In response to the arrest, the sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the public and media for their assistance in spreading awareness about the accident and for keeping Officer McMichael’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
Last year, Arlington Police revealed that McMichael was commuting to work on his police-issued motorcycle when he collided with an SUV in front of him and fell. Subsequently, McMichael was run over by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene without stopping. McMichael’s wife, Linette, who also serves as an Arlington police officer in the school resource officer unit, was trailing behind her husband in another vehicle and witnessed the collision.
The Arlington Police expressed relief at the arrest of a suspect, acknowledging the significant weight lifted off the entire department. They credited the unwavering determination of the investigative team and thanked the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration.
A reward of over $35,000 had been donated for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect. It remains unclear if anyone will be eligible to claim the reward.
McMichael, who joined the Arlington Police Department in January 1999, served in various capacities over his nearly 25 years, including patrol officer and detective.
The news of the arrest brought mixed emotions for Jesse Minton, a former colleague and President of the Arlington Police Association. He noted that while it reopened wounds for friends and McMichael’s widow, who also serves on the force, it also provided a sense of relief.
“It’s not going to bring closure for the family, but in a way, it does help I think,” Minton reflected.