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PRESS RELEASE — On May 15, 2020, at approximately 10:40p.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to a multiple vehicle crash in the 5100 Block of 7^th Street in Port Arthur, Texas.  The crash involved a Port Arthur Police Officer.

The preliminary DPS crash investigation indicates that a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling at an unsafe speed on 7^th Street in Port Arthur.  A Port Arthur Police Department’s patrol unit was parked at residence in the 5100 Block of 7^th , as two officers investigated a loud noise complaint.  Both officers were standing in a grassy area, near the patrol car.  One of the officers noticed the 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck approaching them at a high rate of speed.  As the pickup truck continued in their direction, both officers attempted to jumped out of the way  to avoid being struck by the vehicle.  The Chevrolet pickup truck collided with the patrol car and struck one of the police officers.  After striking the officer, the pickup truck continued off the road and struck a tree.

Officer Rondal Bingham was injured and transported by ambulance to a local hospital.  His injuries did not appear to be life threatening and Officer Bingham later released from the hospital.

The other Port Arthur Police Officer was not injured in the crash.

The driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck, 27-year-old Malachi Sparks Wright of Port Arthur, was not injured in the crash.  Through the course of the crash investigation, Wright exhibited several signs of intoxication and was arrested on the suspicion of driving while intoxicated.  Wright was charged with intoxication assault and transported to the Jefferson County jail without further incident.

This is an ongoing investigation and there are no additional details available at this time.