Holly MatkinLake Worth, TX – Euless Police Department (EPD) Detective Alejandro “Alex” Cervantes died on Nov. 27 after an alleged drunk driver crashed into the vehicle he was traveling in with his wife and children.
The off-duty detective was driving near Rocky Point Trail and Boat Club Road with his wife and two sons at approximately 1:30 p.m. when the driver of a Jeep Wrangler allegedly ran through a red light and slammed into the family’s Chevrolet Impala, KXAS reported.
The suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Dylan Molina, attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by bystanders, according to WFAA.
Molina had a “strong odor” of an alcoholic beverage when he was taken into custody, police said.
While officers were apprehending Molina, members of the Lake Worth Fire Department (LWFD) raced to extricate Det. Cervantes and his family from the wreckage of their vehicle.
Det. Cervantes’ wife suffered “critical, life-threatening injuries” and remained hospitalized Thursday, KXAS reported.
She has not regained consciousness, but she is now in stable condition, EPD Chief Mike Brown told the news outlet.
The couple’s sons were hospitalized with serious injuries and have since been released to the care of family members.
Det. Cervantes, a 15-year law enforcement veteran, died at the crash scene, WFAA reported.
Molina has been charged with three counts of intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, and accident involving death, according to KXAS.
Lake Worth police said Molina also crashed into another vehicle prior to slamming into Det. Cervantes’ family’s vehicle, WFAA reported.
Det. Cervantes served the El Paso Police Department for eight years prior to joining the EPD nearly seven years ago.
Chief Brown described him as a “great man,” WFAA reported.
“If you have kids, you want your son to grow up like that,” he said. “Never did I hear a negative word come out of his month about anybody or anything.”
Chief Brown said on Thursday that his department is going to make sure Det. Cervantes’ sons grow up knowing exactly how valued their father was, KXAS reported.
“Just the kind of guy that came every day with a true heart for service for his fellow man, a person who I don’t think ever met a stranger, and if you were a stranger, you weren’t for long,” the chief said. “He would go out of his way to make sure that he knew you, connected with you on some level, just a great guy. If you were a kid, you’re very fortunate to have a dad like him.”
Thank you again to the community for the generous show of support for Euless Police and the Cervantes family. Some asked where they can bring flowers and items to show support. Items may be brought to the Euless Police Department and laid at the Officer statue. #Cervantes569 pic.twitter.com/ceVCPcbWhr
— Euless Police (@EulessPolice) November 30, 2021
An Euless Police Officer was killed in a Saturday afternoon traffic accident that was caused by a drunk driver.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and co-workers of Detective Alejandro Cervantes. pic.twitter.com/o49fBretOg
— Berwyn Heights Department of Police (@BHPDNews) November 29, 2021
Our thoughts & prayers are with friends and family of the Euless Police Department for the loss of Detective Cervantes. pic.twitter.com/TTe4Ea8XHJ
— Guns & Hoses of NTX (@GunsandHosesTX) December 2, 2021
This woman left flowers this morning in honor of Euless Police Department detective Alex Cervantes. He was killed by a suspected drunk driver while driving with his family Saturday. She says it's personal for her because her grandfather was a fellow policeman. pic.twitter.com/CMUmynFnfL
— Terrance Friday (@TerranceFriday) November 29, 2021
Law enforcement officers prepare to escort the body of Euless Police Department Detective Alejandro Cervantes from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office to a funeral home. Cervantes was off duty when he died in a vehicle collision on Saturday in Lake Worth. pic.twitter.com/WPCevQh25b
— Emerson Clarridge (@eclarridge) November 29, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Euless Police Department Detective Alejandro “Alex” Cervantes, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
