Police officer killed by car while directing traffic at crash scene in Dallas

A Dallas police officer was fatally struck by a car on early Saturday while directing traffic, according to officials.

About 1:45 a.m. Saturday, Officer Mitchell Penton was helping at the scene of a car accident on northbound U.S. Highway 75 near Walnut Hill Lane when a black Kia Forte car driven by a 32-year-old man struck into his squad car, police said. The impact resulted in the squad car hitting Penton.

Penton died at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

The officer joined the department on Feb. 6, 2019, and was assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division.

He is survived by his wife who is pregnant with their first child.

The driver of the Kia, identified by police as Phillip Mabry, was not injured. Police said Mabry was suspected of being intoxicated at the time of the car crash and was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter of a police officer and intoxication assault. Mabry was booked into the Dallas County jail on Saturday.

There was a woman who was in the Kia’s passenger seat. She was admitted to a hospital for trauma to her chest area and a cut on her face, police said.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said the city on Saturday was mourning Penton’s death.

Tragic night for us. This, a small sign of respect and admiration for a fallen brother and his family. Thank you to all Fire/EMS and to Baylor Medical Center for your tireless efforts. Rest easy, hero. We’ll take it from here. pic.twitter.com/Dxu0AO06a8

— Eddie Garcia (@DPDChiefGarcia) February 13, 2021

Police Chief Eddie Garcia posted video showing officers and other personnel standing outside the hospital and saluting as Penton’s body was being carried out in a U.S. flag.