Deadly Car Crash in Dallas Leaves Young Attorney Dead and Two Others Injured
A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with a multivehicle wreck in the Turtle Creek area of Dallas that left a young Dallas attorney dead and two others critically injured, Dallas police said.
Preston Petty, who grew up in Highland Park, was arrested and booked into the Dallas County jail Monday morning, according to jail records.
Petty faces one second-degree felony charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and one third-degree felony intoxication assault with vehicle serious bodily injury charge, jail records show.
As of Monday afternoon, Petty’s bond amount was set at $650,000, according to jail records. It was not clear if he has an attorney.
Crime in The News
The Accident
The deadly collision occurred at 5:25 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Turtle Creek Boulevard and Gillespie Street, according to an emailed statement from Dallas police.
Petty was driving a black 2025 Tesla Model 3 on Cedar Springs Road when he lost control, drove into the grass and hit two trees and a crosswalk pole, according to an arrest warrant-affidavit obtained by The Dallas Morning News on Monday.
The Tesla then crossed over the median onto Turtle Creek Boulevard and went airborne. It crashed into Emma Hackney’s gray 2017 Porsche Macan while it was stopped at a red light.
The crash caused Hackney’s Porsche to topple over and land on its roof, the affidavit said. Petty’s Tesla landed on top of the Porsche and came to a stop after hitting a tree.
Victims and Injuries
Both vehicles had passengers. Jennifer Petty, Preston Petty’s mother, was transported to Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas by Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Jennifer Petty was confirmed to have a fractured spine, broken nose and possible fractured heel by hospital officials, the affidavit said.
Hackney’s unnamed passenger had a head laceration but no serious injuries, according to the affidavit.
Petty refused medical treatment at the scene.
Investigation
While being questioned by police, Petty said he was going 35 to 40 mph, though it remains unclear what his actual speed was at the time of the accident.
Police seized a thumb drive from the Tesla that they believe might help determine his actual speed, the affidavit said.
When asked what happened, Petty said he was on his way to pick up his girlfriend when his mother tried to take his phone out of his hand while he was driving.
Police believe Petty was under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, though he said he was sober and performed field sobriety tests, according to the affidavit.
Due to the severity of the crash, officials transported Petty to Parkland Memorial Hospital after he was placed in handcuffs, where hospital staff later drew his blood after police obtained a blood search warrant.
Victim’s Death
Hackney, 29, was transported to Parkland Hospital after being taken out of the Porsche by her passenger. She was pronounced dead around 6:41 p.m., the affidavit said.
“Emma was a beloved young colleague with a really bright future,” Wade Cooper, Jackson Walker LLP firmwide managing partner, said in a statement Monday to The News. “We are heartbroken, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends in this difficult time.”
Officials are actively investigating the details surrounding the cause of the accident.
Conclusion
The deadly car crash in Dallas has left a young attorney dead and two others injured. The suspect, Preston Petty, faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the accident:
Q: What happened in the accident? A: A 26-year-old man, Preston Petty, was driving a Tesla when he lost control and crashed into a Porsche, killing the driver, Emma Hackney, and injuring two others.
Q: What charges does Petty face? A: Petty faces one second-degree felony charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and one third-degree felony intoxication assault with vehicle serious bodily injury charge.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation? A: The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest news about the accident? A: You can stay updated on the latest news by reading the crime and public safety news from your local news sources.
