Bradenton Police Officer struck by driver while directing traffic
UPDATE (Oct. 28) - Officer Amy Schwartz, aka Officer Amy, who was struck by a vehicle on October 11 while she was directing traffic at a crash scene, continues to recover at home. She hopes to return to light duty very soon, and patrol in the coming months.
October 11 - A Bradenton Police Officer is recovering after being by a vehicle while directing traffic at the scene of an earlier crash. The Officer, who has served the City of Bradenton for more than 20 years, has been discharged from a local hospital and is recovering at home.
The initial crash occurred at approximately 11:50 AM at the intersection of Manatee Avenue W. and 43rd Street W. As a result of the crash, the eastbound lanes of Manatee Avenue were closed at 43rd Street. A Bradenton Fire Department truck and traffic cones blocked the eastbound lanes on the west side of the intersection, and two marked patrol vehicles were positioned on the east side of the intersection. The Officer, who was wearing a traffic safety vest, was standing with the two patrol vehicles.
At approximately 12:40 PM, a 57-year-old woman drove around the traffic cones and proceeded eastbound, striking the Officer before coming to a stop. The driver remained on scene, and has been charged with careless driving and failure to move over.
The Officer was alert on the scene, but transported to a local hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
