LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock Police Department revealed new details in a crash that left a man dead and an officer with serious injuries early Thursday morning.
According to LPD, officers were called to a crash in the 4300 block of South Loop 289 at 2:09 a.m. Officer Wesley Haulk was the first to arrive on scene, according to LPD. Police said Officer Haulk was getting ready to get out when his vehicle was hit from behind by a pickup driven by Santos Donez Jr., 36.
Donez was pronounced dead on scene, according to LPD. Police said Officer Haulk was taken to University Medical Center with serious injuries that “are now considered moderate.”
LPD said Office Haulk was released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, according to police.
In a social media post Thursday afternoon, LPD called Officer Hauk “a valued member of our department, of our family.” LPD said Officer Haulk was hired in 2017 and served on patrol throughout his tenure.
“While the good news is Officer Haulk is home from the hospital and recovering well, an improvement we are so very thankful for, our thoughts remain with the family of the individual who lost his life,” LPD stated.
LPD thanked the community for thoughts, prayers and kind words.
The following is a press release from the Lubbock Police Department:
(LUBBOCK, TX) –The Lubbock Police Department’s Major Crash Unit is investigating a collision in Central Lubbock that left a 36-year-old man dead and an LPD officer with serious injuries.
Officers were called to the 4300 block of South Loop 289 at 2:09 a.m. on January 12th for reports of a collision with possible injuries.
Officer Wesley Haulk arrived on-scene first while utilizing the overhead emergency lights on his marked LPD patrol vehicle. As Officer Haulk was preparing to get out, his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a pick-up truck driven by 36-year-old Santos Donez Jr.
Donez, who was the sole occupant of his vehicle, was pronounced deceased on-scene. Officer Haulk was transported to University Medical Center via ambulance. Officer Haulk’s injuries are now considered moderate and he has since been released from the hospital.
No injuries were reported from the original traffic crash.
The investigation is ongoing.
Press release from the Lubbock Police Department
