Police Officer Seriously Hurt Outside Dallas Club
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A police officer in Dallas was seriously hurt Sunday night after he was hit by a car outside of a club. It happened shortly before midnight at Kalua Discotheque, located in a strip shopping center along Northwest Highway, in the northwestern part of the city.
There was a fight inside of the club, and one man was escorted out by uniformed off-duty police officers. He got his SUV from the valet, and then things became violent. "He backed into the first officer, and then ran over -- completely over -- the second officer," said Maj. Max Geron with the Dallas Police Department.
Other officers fired shots at the suspect, and he was struck once in the arm.
The injured officer, identified as Detective Ed Lujan, was taken to Parkland Hospital, and officials there said that he was in stable condition. Lujan suffered broken bones and serious cuts to his head, but he has been talking to doctors and -- barring any blood clots or infections -- is expected to survive.
Sources said that the officer was dragged underneath the SUV for at least 50 yards. There was so much blood at the scene that authorities initially believed that the officer had been shot. Sources added that Lujan's scalp is being stitched back on and his hip had to be popped back into place. The first officer was not hurt.
The suspect was taken into custody and also transported to Parkland Hospital in stable condition.
Authorities put out a call regarding an "officer down" and the Dallas Police Association was asking for prayers on Twitter soon after. That sentiment was echoed less than 90 minutes later by Chief David Brown with the Dallas Police Department.
Several other officers and deputies visited the hospital early Monday to show support for Lujan. That included the doctor assigned to the Dallas Police Department's SWAT team. But it was not immediately clear if Dr. Alex Eastman arrived to show his support or to treat the injured officer.
Brown offered an update on the officer's condition at around 4:00 a.m. early Monday morning. "Our officer is recovering," the chief stated. "He's been seriously injured. We expect a full recovery. It's going to be a long road, and we're asking for the public support and prayers for his full recovery, for him and his family."
Sources said that Lujan is a 20-year veteran who works in financial crimes, with a wife and two older children. He has been working off-duty at Kalua Discotheque for several years, but was actually not supposed to be there Sunday night. He was filling in for another officer.
Authorities set up a large crime scene around the nightclub, including the suspect's vehicle which was struck by gunfire. It left many of the club's patrons unable to access their vehicles as detectives gathered evidence and investigated the case. Those cars are now able to be retrieved. Police spoke to several witnesses at the scene, and are asking anyone with video of the incident to come forward.
"After this happened," said club-goer Alfredo Mateas, "you try to go out for fun, but you know crazy people outside, so this is a good experience for me to not go out anymore." Mateas and hundreds of other guests were asked to stay inside as the man was escorted out.
Saul Cordona has owned Kalua Discotheque for seven years, and added that his relationship with police has been great. He is sending thoughts and prayers to Lujan after this upsetting incident.
Three other suspects were also detained, sources said. One of them was found hiding in a parking lot near the club. They have since been released without charges.
