TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County deputy was taken to the hospital this weekend after being struck by a vehicle in Lakeland, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was conducting an investigation in the area of Combee Road and Old Combee Road and was walking on the shoulder of the roadway outside of the white fog line.
The driver told deputies he was distracted by the patrol cars with their lights on, and didn’t notice Deputy Katie Reese on foot. He drove toward the shoulder of the roadway to avoid the vehicles, and in doing so, hit Reese, the sheriff’s office said.
She was taken to the hospital, but is okay.
“She remains in the hospital for 24-hour observation, but appears to have no serious injuries,” a sheriff’s office spokesman said.
No charges have been filed against the driver at this time, but the sheriff’s office noted an investigation was ongoing.
“We are very happy that Deputy Reese was not seriously injured. This is a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day, and for drivers to approach cautiously when emergency vehicles are present,” Sheriff Grady Judd added.
