Officer Josh Williams Killed in the Line of Duty

The corner of Highway 77 that holds a painful reminder of a life tragically lost, has now become a place where friends and colleagues of a fallen officer gather, to find comfort and solace.

Officer Josh Williams, a 17-year veteran Waxahachie Police officer, was responding to a call on the 600 block of North Highway 77 when he was hit by a driver speeding and driving without lights. Williams was sent to Baylor Medical City in Waxahachie where he later died.

The 24-year old driver, Dylyn Richards, had a blood alcohol level that was over the legal limit, the night he slammed into Williams. He is now at the Ellis County Jail. Richards was previously convicted of DWI back in 2009. Records show he was arrested just days before his 21st birthday. Richards served two days in jail for that offense.

“We deal with this all the time. It’s just sad when sometimes they’ve had 3 or 4 previous DWIs and here they’ve taken the life of somebody else,” says Renee Freeman, a co-worker of Williams.

“It’s always tough when you lose a friend, a co-worker, but especially when you know him and he’s a friend – it’s even harder,” Freeman said. “It’s just hard to accept, I know the Waxahachie officers are having a hard time with it.”

Richards’ arraignment is scheduled Monday and will be formally charged with intoxication manslaughter. It’s a first degree felony because this crime resulted in the death of a law enforcement officer.

The Richards family released the following statement to Fox 4 News:

“We are very sorry for the loss of officer Williams and the pain this has caused his family and fellow officers. This is a tragic situation for everyone involved. Our prayers will be with the family.”

Original story: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/19142125/waxahachie-officer-d