Officer Rondal Bingham Injured in Port Arthur Pedestrian Accident on 7th Street

Port Arthur, Texas (May 19, 2020) – A Port Arthur Police Department officer was struck by a drunk driver Friday night in Port Arthur, according to authorities.

The accident occurred around 10:41 p.m. May 15, in the 5100 block of 7th Street.

DPS said PAPD officers were investigating a loud noise disturbance report when the driver of a speeding 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck, struck a patrol vehicle. The pickup driver then lost control and hit one of the officers who were standing in a grassy area near the patrol car. 

The Chevrolet continued off the road and struck a tree after hitting the officer.

The officer, Rondal Bingham, was taken to CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth with non-life threatening injuries where he was treated and released.

The driver of the pickup, 27-year-old Malachi Sparks Wright of Port Arthur, was arrested for intoxication assault.

The DPS is investigating the crash.

We wish Officer Rondal Bingham a quick recovery.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol, however, is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. If you have been injured because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a  personal injury action against the drunk driver.

To speak with an attorney  Click to call: 281-943-5555.