Arrest Made in Fatal Accident of Arlington Officer Darrin McMichael

On February 7, 2024, detectives from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Unit obtained an arrest warrant for an individual involved in the fatal accident of Arlington Officer Darrin McMichael.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and Arlington Police collaborated, following tips and leads, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant. Subsequently, members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force apprehended 26-year-old Joshua Quintairo Watson of Jackson, Mississippi. He has been charged with Accident Involving Death, a 2nd Degree Felony, Transportation Code 550.021.

In a statement, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the public and media for their assistance in spreading awareness of the tragic accident and for keeping Officer McMichael’s family in their thoughts and prayers.

The Arlington Police Department released the following statement:

The death of Officer Darrin McMichael has left a permanent hole in the collective heart of our Arlington PD family. But today’s news lifts a tremendous weight off of the entire department. We’re incredibly relieved that a suspect has been identified, arrested, and charged in connection to his death. 

We never stopped believing this case would be solved – and we’re eternally grateful for the investigative team who did not give up, even when it looked like the odds were stacked against them. We’d like to thank the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership. We’d also like to recognize the efforts of the APD investigators who assisted DSO with this case. 

Finally, we want express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported us throughout this difficult time. Your love, your prayers, and your kindness have meant the world to us and continue to uplift us as we work to serve and protect our community.

Officer McMichael was killed while riding his motorcycle into work on September, 2023.