Police identify driver killed after striking police vehicle on South Loop

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The Lubbock Police Department has identified the driver who died after crashing into the back of a police vehicle early Thursday morning.

Officers were called to the 4300 block of S Loop 289 just after 2 a.m. Upon arrival, they found an LPD officer seriously injured and another man dead.

Officer Wesley Haulk arrived at the location while responding to another crash. His patrol vehicle had its overhead emergency lights on and he was preparing to get out.

Haulk’s vehicle was struck from behind by a pick-up truck driven by 36-year-old Santos Donez, Jr.

Donez, Jr. died in the crash and Haulk was seriously injured. Haulk was taken to UMC via ambulance for treatment. His condition has since improved and he has been released from the hospital.

No injuries were reported from the original traffic crash.

Authorities are still investigating the crash.

LPD released this statement about Officer Haulk on Thursday afternoon:

While to many in the public, he may be recognized by a badge number...to us, Officer Haulk is so much more than that. He is a valued member of our department, of our family.

Officer Haulk was hired by LPD in 2017, and has served on patrol throughout his tenure with the department.

While the good news is Officer Haulk is home from the hospital and recovering well, an improvement we are so very thankful for, our thoughts remain with the family of the individual who lost his life.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words during this time.

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