FWPD Officers, DWI Suspect Injured in Chase, Crash on Foch Street in Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth, TX — December 4, 2022, three police officers and a civilian were hospitalized after a pursuit ended in a crash on Foch Street in Fort Worth.
Authorities say the incident began around 2:30 a.m. when FWPD officers noticed a man revving his car's engine, possibly hoping to race, on West 7th Street--an area with heavy traffic as bars had recently closed for the night. The officers stopped the driver as they suspected he was intoxicated.
The suspect soon fled from the stop onto Foch Street, then entered Trinity Park. Investigators say he traveled two more blocks before "launching his vehicle off a ravine." Two patrol cars pursuing him also crashed, but it's not clear how.
Three officers and the runaway driver were taken to hospitals and are expected to recover. The driver is being investigated for DWI and evading authorities.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Chase and Crash on Foch Street in Fort Worth
Police suspect alcohol was a factor here, and if clear evidence confirms that the suspect may face some legal consequences for his choices. Drunk driving is a matter of grave concern in Texas and those who do it should pay a price for their recklessness, but at the same time they may not be the only ones to hold accountable when they hurt themselves and others. For instance, what if the business that sold him alcohol is partly responsible for what happened?
Under Texas dram shop law, alcohol vendors like bars, restaurants, clubs, and stores can't sell or serve more alcohol to obviously intoxicated customers. If they do they may be considered liable for any damage those customers cause or suffer while under the influence.
I'm not saying I know alcohol was definitely a factor here, let alone that a business illegally over-served it to the suspect. Since officers reportedly found him trying to stir up a race near some bars, however, it seems like they should look into exactly how and where he spent his evening. If one of those gin joints knowingly kept refilling his glass despite being legally required to stop, it should be held accountable and make things right.
