DALLAS — Kenneth Burke, a longtime Dallas firefighter, was riding his motorcycle off-duty early Sunday morning when he was struck and seriously injured by an alleged drunk driver, officials said.
Burke on Monday, Dec. 4 was still being treated at Baylor University Medical Center.
"They have induced a coma. He's got a lot of internal injuries. He's had two surgeries so far," said Michael Burke, his older brother.
The crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Sunday in the 5500 block of Columbia Avenue in Dallas.
Crescencio Del Rio Rodriguez, 51, is facing intoxication assault with a vehicle with serious bodily injuries in the crash, according to a police news release.
Police said Rodriguez failed the field sobriety tests and had a breathalyzer reading of 0.168, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by WFAA. He was arrested at the scene.
Police said Burke was riding his motorcycle eastbound when the suspect turned left into a vacant lot, crashing into Burke with a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.
The arrest affidavit said Burke was subsequently run over by Rodriguez's truck.
Burke was in hemorrhagic shock and suffered injuries to his head, spleen, pancreas and liver, the affidavit said.
"When I was a teenager, he was that dorky younger brother, but now he's a friend," Burke said. "Music, riding bikes, being a firefighter. That's his identity."
He described his brother as a comedian, a social butterfly and a hero.
Kenneth Burke has been with Dallas Fire-Rescue since 2012. He's described by his peers as dependable, reliable and a great friend. He loves his two dogs. He also loves music, especially Elvis.
While loved ones feel helpless by his hospital bedside, Burke said, "If you play an Elvis song next to him and look at the heart rate, you can see it jump up a couple takes. There are little signs that are encouraging."
The Burkes are taking it day by day.
"We made it through yesterday. Looking to make it through today," said Burke.