A Florida Highway Patrol officer stopped an alleged drunk driver from driving through a 10K race by putting her own vehicle between the driver and the racetrack.
Officer Toni Schuck, who has served on the force for 26 years, caught the moment of impact on her dashcam. The Skywalk 10K race was going on behind her on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Sunday.
?HERO ALERT?
Yesterday, a drunk driver was heading toward the Skyway 10K route and FHP Trooper Toni Schuck selflessly placed her vehicle directly in the path of the drunk driver – preventing a tragedy. Thank you for your service, Trooper Schuck. We wish you a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/JDYd80sn3C— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) March 7, 2022
The driver, Kristen Kay Watts, bypassed traffic cones, barricades, and even troopers guarding the toll plaza. Those troopers alerted fellow troopers, which gave Schuck the heads-up she needed to position her car.
In the video, other troopers are seen attempting to barricade Watts before her sedan hit Schuck’s SUV. Both survived the crash.
TRUCK DRIVER DRIVES THROUGH RUSSIAN EMBASSY GATES IN IRELAND
“Thank you for your service, Trooper Schuck,” FHP tweeted Monday. “We wish you a speedy recovery.”
FHP reported that Schuck is recovering from a head wound and concussion.
“Horrifying dash cam footage of Master Trooper Toni Schuck risking her life to save others. Selfless acts like this to protect Floridians are why I will always back the blue,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody tweeted Monday.
Horrifying dash cam footage of @FHPTampa Master Trooper Toni Schuck risking her life to save others.
Selfless acts like this to protect Floridians are why I will always #BackTheBlue. pic.twitter.com/SJrLZeBSG5
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) March 7, 2022
“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to save lives. So grateful for the Trooper who put her vehicle between a speeding drunk driver and 10K runners on I-275.”
Roughly 8,000 runners participated in Sunday’s Skywalk 10K, an annual race that takes place the first Sunday of March. Its racetrack covers three Florida counties. All proceeds benefit the Armed Forces Families Foundation.
“On behalf of the Skyway 10K, we are beyond thankful for our law enforcement partners and the trooper who risked her life to keep our race participants safe,” a post from race organizers read.
“We are extremely grateful for the Florida Highway Patrol and all of our federal, state and local law enforcement partner agencies, not only for providing layers of security for this event, but the sacrifices they make every day.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Watts was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. As of this report, she has yet to make her $52,000 bond.
