POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for the driver responsible for crashing into a Polk County Fire Rescue ambulance Friday night on Interstate 4. The ambulance was carrying a stroke patient, troopers added.
FHP troopers said the crash happened around 7:15 p.m. Friday on westbound I-4 east of Thonotosassa Road. The driver, who troopers believe was in a silver or gray Chrysler 300, was speeding down I-4.
Once east of Thonotosassa Road, the driver overtook and tried to pass a Polk County Fire Rescue ambulance. The ambulance was transporting a 40-year-old woman suffering a stroke to a Tampa-area hospital. The emergency vehicle had its emergency lights on and active, troopers added.
As the driver tried to pass the ambulance, they hit the left rear of the ambulance. After the crash, the driver kept on going westbound on I-4. The ambulance drove a short distance and stopped along the side of the road.
From there, paramedics called for assistance and the stroke patient was airlifted for "advanced medical care." The two paramedics in the ambulance were not hurt in the crash.
The ambulance driver reportedly told troopers the responsible driver's car had "significant" damage to the passenger side.
Anyone who may have seen the crash or has information about this hit-and-run is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.