Austin Officer Hit By Drunk Driver To Be Honored

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin police officer will be awarded a Purple Heart medal during this year's police gala taking place this weekend, officials revealed on Tuesday.

Officer Derek Baroody will be honored for a remarkable comeback in returning to service in a harrowing story of survival after his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver. Just after midnight on May 29, 2018, he was on patrol in South Central Austin when he attempted to make a protected left-hand turn from E. Riverside Drive on to Montopolis Drive, police described. As he made the turn, a drunk driver sped through the red light on E. Riverside Drive and crashed into the right side of Officer Baroody’s marked patrol unit.

Officer Baroody’s vehicle was struck with such force that it spun over 180 degrees and up onto the curb, according to a police account. The front left wheel of his car broke off, and Baroody was trapped inside the wreckage. Austin Fire Department crews cut Baroody from the patrol car before he was transported to the hospital where he was treated for cuts, bruises, embedded glass in his forehead and serious injury to his spleen.

Related story: Austin Officer To Be Honored For Good Works

Initially released for a six- to eight-month recovery at home, Baroody was readmitted to the hospital a week later while suffering from severe pain when doctors discovered then that his spleen was still bleeding. He underwent surgery, and had to have part of his spleen removed. Two weeks later, Baroody returned to active duty.

Officer Derek Baroody returned to active duty after recovering from a crash caused by a drunk driver that left him trapped inside the wreckage of his patrol vehicle. Photo courtesy of Austin Police Department.

Baroody is now poised to receive the Purple Heart Medal at this year’s APD gala conferred to honor those who sustain serious bodily injury or death while in the line of duty. The 2019 Stars of Distinction Awards Gala is scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Hilton Austin Downtown, 500 E. 4th St. The awards presentation begins at 7 p.m.