The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle that struck an ambulance that was transporting a stroke victim to the hospital then fled the scene.
According to a news release, on Jan. 28 at approximately 7 p.m., FHP troopers responded to I-4 westbound, east of Thonotosassa Road (Exit 19), to assist a Polk County Fire Rescue Ambulance that had been struck while transporting a stroke patient to a Tampa area hospital.
The vehicle, believed to be a silver or grey Chrysler 300, was driving at a high rate of speed and, when attempting to overtake the emergency vehicle, collided with the left rear of the ambulance before continuing westbound on the interstate. The ambulance driver described the suspect vehicle as having significant passenger-side damage.
Following the crash, the patient was airlifted from the scene. The two paramedics in the ambulance were not injured.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses information regarding this incident is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at *TIPS.