New video this morning shows a terrifying crash near Tampa. The dashcam footage is from a Florida state trooper that drove into the path of a wrong-way driver, hitting the vehicle head-on. Troopers said Kristen Kay Watts, 52, of Sarasota, drove her BMW north on I-275 at a high speed when she approached a road closure that was put in place for the Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.Authorities said Watts went through several cones and around multiple barricades.The trooper drove into Watts’ path on purpose, to stop her before she could reach the runners. The trooper is now recovering from the crash. “While the crash was severe, I know the injured Trooper who is currently receiving medical care as I author this email, is absolutely relieved to have been available to ensure the safety of hundreds of innocent persons,” the FHP statement added.The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles called the trooper, identified as Master Trooper Toni Schuck, a “hero” who prevented a tragedy. “Trooper Schuck responded and drove her vehicle directly into the path of the oncoming drunk driver. Thank you for your bravery and self-sacrifice, Trooper Schuck. We wish you a speedy recovery,” the post reads. Following the incident, Watts was charged with DUI serious injury, two counts of reckless drive damage to person or property, and two counts of DUI damage to property or person of another. The case remains under investigation.
New video this morning shows a terrifying crash near Tampa.
The dashcam footage is from a Florida state trooper that drove into the path of a wrong-way driver, hitting the vehicle head-on.
Troopers said Kristen Kay Watts, 52, of Sarasota, drove her BMW north on I-275 at a high speed when she approached a road closure that was put in place for the Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Authorities said Watts went through several cones and around multiple barricades.
The trooper drove into Watts’ path on purpose, to stop her before she could reach the runners.
The trooper is now recovering from the crash.
“While the crash was severe, I know the injured Trooper who is currently receiving medical care as I author this email, is absolutely relieved to have been available to ensure the safety of hundreds of innocent persons,” the FHP statement added.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles called the trooper, identified as Master Trooper Toni Schuck, a “hero” who prevented a tragedy.
“Trooper Schuck responded and drove her vehicle directly into the path of the oncoming drunk driver. Thank you for your bravery and self-sacrifice, Trooper Schuck. We wish you a speedy recovery,” the post reads.
Following the incident, Watts was charged with DUI serious injury, two counts of reckless drive damage to person or property, and two counts of DUI damage to property or person of another. The case remains under investigation.