HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - An overnight cruiser crash in Hollywood sent a police officer to the hospital and sent debris flying across a major roadway, shutting it down for hours and triggering a search for the driver responsible.
Hollywood Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the hit-and-run on North Ocean Drive, just under the Hollywood Boulevard on-ramp, at around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to investigators, the cruiser and an orange BMW were traveling in opposite directions when the BMW crossed onto the path of the cruiser.
Cameras later captured the cruiser and the BMW with significant damage, and their airbags deployed.
The driver’s side of the cruiser was ripped apart, likely as an attempt to remove the officer from the crushed seat.
Witness Gary Winthrop described the chaotic scene.
“I saw the cops racing down here from Young Circle towards this way, and get over here and see this car overturned and demolished, and I guess they’re looking for someone, got the dogs out,” he said.
According to some communications from police radio, it seemed like there was some indication that two drivers may have been out on A1A racing at the time, but officials are unsure if the police officer got caught in the middle of that.
“Two vehicles were racing prior to this happening,” said police dispatch.
Officers shut down the roadway while police combed through the wreckage all throughout the morning.
Police said the driver of the orange BMW fled the crash site on foot, and as of Wednesday afternoon, remains on the run.
“Crazy series of events that hit a police car. Yeah, hopefully that guy is all right,” said Winthrop.
Paramedics took the injured officer to an area hospital. Dispatch said the officer was conscious and breathing while being transported and is expected to survive.
“Rescue 40’s been dispatched; We’re gonna have one adult male, trauma alert, 49 years old,” said the police dispatcher.
Just after 6 a.m., after both vehicles involved were towed away from the scene, 7News cameras captured a stretch of North Ocean Drive still covered with debris as police conducted their investigation.
The roadway has since reopened to traffic.
Police said speed was a factor in the crash, as they continue to investigate.
If you have any information on this hit-and-run or the driver’s whereabouts, call Hollywood Police at 954-764-4357 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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