Arlington police are investigating a suspected DWI crash that claimed the life of a motorcyclist early Saturday morning. On November 16, 2024, at approximately 1:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of N. Collins Street following a head-on collision involving a 2004 Chevy Silverado and a motorcycle.
Upon arrival, officers found the motorcyclist, identified as 55-year-old Richard Thomas Wing of Dallas, lying unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Witnesses reported that the Silverado, driven by 27-year-old Thomas Kelly Jr., was traveling northbound on N. Collins Street, weaving in and out of lanes in an attempt to pass other vehicles. The Silverado veered into the center turn lane and collided with the southbound motorcycle, which was also in the turn lane preparing to make a turn.
According to witnesses, Kelly exited the pickup after the crash, threw multiple cans from inside the vehicle into a nearby grassy area, and attempted to flee the scene on foot. Passersby pursued and detained him until police arrived.
Officers suspected Kelly was intoxicated based on witness accounts, his behavior, and their observations. Kelly refused roadside sobriety tests and was described as uncooperative. Police recovered several beer cans from the area where witnesses observed Kelly discarding items.
Kelly was arrested and booked into the Arlington City Jail on charges of Intoxication Manslaughter, Collision Involving Death, and Tampering with Evidence. A blood sample was obtained via a search warrant and will be analyzed in a lab as part of the investigation.
