DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) — Broward Sheriff Scott Israel is recovering at home after, officials said, he sustained a minor injury when he was struck by a vehicle in Davie.
According to Davie Police, Israel was jogging northbound on Hiatus Road when he was hit, at around 9:30 p.m., Tuesday. Israel was struck by the side mirror of a pickup truck heading southbound, which caused him to fall to the ground. "As Sheriff Israel was about to cross, completely cross, 42nd Court, he got struck by the side view mirror," said a Davie Police officer. "That caused him to fall to the ground and then he was struck by the rear tire of the truck."
"A pickup truck, gold in color, that lives in this neighborhood did hit Mr. Israel," said one witness, David Simonin.
The driver of the pickup truck, Donna Henderson, stayed on the scene until helped arrived. She said she didn’t see the sheriff coming as she went to make a turn onto Southwest 42nd Court. "It was just a very simple, small accident," she said. "I’m thankful that he wasn’t hurt very bad. He’s a nice man."
Henderson was shaken up by the accident. "It just was a nightmare for me," she said. "I don’t know how it was for him, but for me it’s a nightmare."
Henderson called police herself. "I was coming around into my street and a man came out of nowhere, and I hit him," she could be heard saying to the 911 dispatcher.
"It was dark clothing," said Simonin. "He even asked the Sheriff, ‘Look at your clothing,’ while he was hurt on the floor. He said, ‘Didn’t you get anything reflective?’"
According to Davie Police, however, the sheriff was wearing reflective gear on his shorts and sneakers.
Israel was then taken to the Cleveland Clinic for a broken toe and banged up elbow, where he was treated and released. He is now recovering at his home.
Wednesday morning, Sheriff Israel spoke to news radio 610 WIOD on South Florida’s First News. "I’m very fortunate, I’m very lucky," he said. "You know, it just taught me that my days of walking and jogging on the streets are done, along the park in a well-lit area. I’ll get my exercise where I don’t share the road with cars."
Henderson was issued a citation for failure to use due care, according to police, however, Israel has even called the ordeal an accident. "I asked him if he was hurt, and he said he didn’t think he was hurt that bad," she said.
Israel does not appear to hold any ill feelings towards Henderson. "She’s a lovely woman," he said. "She stopped. She did everything she could for me, and she just turned into my side of the roadway. I guess that’s why they call them accidents."
Israel is expected to meet with members of the media Wednesday afternoon.