BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
POLICE OFFICER AMIR ABDUL-KHALIQ Austin motorcycle officer dies after ‘valiant fight’
By Nadine Bonewitz
APD Chief: Officer ‘had a set back but is hanging tough’
Chief Acevedo: Motorcycle officer ‘showing some positive signs’
Outpouring of support from blood donors for injured APD officer
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin police officer hurt in a motorcycle crash died as a result of his injuries Sunday.
Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq, 46, was struck by a car while escorting a funeral procession on North Burnet Road Thursday. Initial information indicates the officer was going northbound on Burnet Road (with his police lights on) when the driver, who was in the center turn lane, turned left in front of the officer. Acevedo says during the procession, there was a gap and the driver thought she could make it.
A 17-year veteran with APD, Abdul-Khaliq was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge hospital where his situation changed dramatically over the past few days. On Friday, Acevedo held a news conference stating the officer was in very serious condition and in need of blood. Later Friday evening, another tweet said he was showing positive signs.
Sunday morning, Acevedo’s latest tweet, indicated that Abdul-Khaliq “had a set back” but was hanging tough. The chief continued to stress the need for continued prayer and blood donations.
A press release was issued by the department at 6:30 p.m. stating, “Despite his valiant fight, it is with deep and heavy hearts that early this evening Senior Police Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq succumbed to his injuries.”
The driver who ran into the officer, 51-year-old Ana Prado, was cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, which is a Class C misdemeanor. On Friday, Acevedo said if the officer dies, he will push for additional charges against Prado.
The department also praised the hospital staff at University Medical Center Brackenridge for their work ever since the officer arrived. “The department appreciates all the tireless efforts that the staff from University Medical Center at Brackenridge Hospital provided and their heroic efforts,” continued the press release.
Shortly after, Acevedo tweeted a statement on the officer’s death that included a ‘thank you’ to the community. “We wish to thank our community for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, support and love. Please keep Amir, his family, and Amir’s extended APD family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Acevedo.
The department said Abdul-Khaliq is survived by his five children and wife. He was in the Marines before he joined law enforcement. He was a long-time member of the motor unit for the department.
On Monday at 7:30 a.m., the officer’s body will be moved from the Medical Examiner’s Office to the Islamic Center of Greater Austin: Austin Mosque at 5110 Manor Rd., where a private service will be held before sunset.
The department is still working on the schedule for the traditional police memorial service, which they hope to have by the end of the week.
By Nadine Bonewitz
APD Chief: Officer ‘had a set back but is hanging tough’
Chief Acevedo: Motorcycle officer ‘showing some positive signs’
Outpouring of support from blood donors for injured APD officer
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin police officer hurt in a motorcycle crash died as a result of his injuries Sunday.
Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq, 46, was struck by a car while escorting a funeral procession on North Burnet Road Thursday. Initial information indicates the officer was going northbound on Burnet Road (with his police lights on) when the driver, who was in the center turn lane, turned left in front of the officer. Acevedo says during the procession, there was a gap and the driver thought she could make it.
A 17-year veteran with APD, Abdul-Khaliq was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge hospital where his situation changed dramatically over the past few days. On Friday, Acevedo held a news conference stating the officer was in very serious condition and in need of blood. Later Friday evening, another tweet said he was showing positive signs.
Sunday morning, Acevedo’s latest tweet, indicated that Abdul-Khaliq “had a set back” but was hanging tough. The chief continued to stress the need for continued prayer and blood donations.
A press release was issued by the department at 6:30 p.m. stating, “Despite his valiant fight, it is with deep and heavy hearts that early this evening Senior Police Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq succumbed to his injuries.”
The driver who ran into the officer, 51-year-old Ana Prado, was cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, which is a Class C misdemeanor. On Friday, Acevedo said if the officer dies, he will push for additional charges against Prado.
The department also praised the hospital staff at University Medical Center Brackenridge for their work ever since the officer arrived. “The department appreciates all the tireless efforts that the staff from University Medical Center at Brackenridge Hospital provided and their heroic efforts,” continued the press release.
Shortly after, Acevedo tweeted a statement on the officer’s death that included a ‘thank you’ to the community. “We wish to thank our community for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, support and love. Please keep Amir, his family, and Amir’s extended APD family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Acevedo.
The department said Abdul-Khaliq is survived by his five children and wife. He was in the Marines before he joined law enforcement. He was a long-time member of the motor unit for the department.
On Monday at 7:30 a.m., the officer’s body will be moved from the Medical Examiner’s Office to the Islamic Center of Greater Austin: Austin Mosque at 5110 Manor Rd., where a private service will be held before sunset.
The department is still working on the schedule for the traditional police memorial service, which they hope to have by the end of the week.
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