Bystanders help pull Orange County sergeant from burning cruiser

Sgt. Jamie Hoffman collides with car on SR 408

ORLANDO, Fla. – Passersby helped pull an Orange County sheriff's sergeant to safety Sunday after his SUV erupted in flames during a crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash was reported on State Road 408 at Pine Hills Road.

Troopers said Sgt. Jamie Hoffman failed to slow down near a toll plaza and hit a car in front of him that was attempting to pull over on the side of the road.

Officials said when Hoffman was found, he was unconscious, but he has since regained consciousness. Troopers said Hoffman was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.

Hoffman made headlines last month when he talked a suicidal man off the ledge of Interstate 4.

"Citizens, law enforcement, they’ve just got to pay attention a lot," witness David Boyd said. "I was driving and I just saw the flames."

Boyd shot cellphone video as he drove by on SR 408. He admitted, and troopers agree, that he shouldn't have been recording video on his phone while driving. 

"I was just hoping (the deputy) was OK,” Boyd said.

News 6 went by the other driver’s home. The man’s son said he was resting, trying to recover and had some head pain, but that he’s going to be OK.

FHP officials said the crash remains under investigation. 

Watch News 6 for updates.


About the Authors:

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.

Recommended Videos