Man Held in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Lancaster Officer

Ricardo Espinoza held on more than $250,000 bond

The Johnson County Sheriff's Department has released the name and mugshot of the man suspected in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Lancaster police officer.

Officer Dustin Dodson, 25, was on his motorcycle and headed home when he was struck by another motorist near US 67 and Farm-to-Market Road 2738 in Venus on Saturday morning.

Investigators said the driver who hit Dodson and left the scene was 22-year-old Ricardo Espinoza.  Espinoza was later located, with the help of a witness to the crash, and placed under arrest.

Dodson was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth where he later died.

Espinoza has been charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to stop and render aid.  Investigators said more charges against him are possible.  He is currently being held on more than $250,000 bond.

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