While on his way from the Holmes Beach Police Department to an emergency call from the Manatee Public Beach in a new low-speed vehicle, HBPD Officer Josh Fleischer was forced to take evasive action when a motorist pulled in front of him in the 5400 block of Marina Drive.
The result sent Fleischer and the LSV into a rollover at about 9:30 a.m. Dec. 17, trapping the officer under the LSV until deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrived — first on the scene — and pulled the LSV off of Fleischer.
According to MCSO’s Sgt. Paul Davis of the Anna Maria substation, three officers from the MSCO marine unit responded “immediately,” righted the vehicle and rendered first aid.
Manatee County Emergency Medical Services also responded and transported Fleischer to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, he said.
Fleischer was treated for leg injuries, bumps and bruises, according to HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer.
“The side-by-side tipped and landed on both of his legs,” said Detective Sgt. Brian Hall, adding Fleischer was being held at the hospital Dec. 17 for observation.
“He had 20 staples — it cut him up pretty good,” Hall added.
Fleischer had been on his way to a call related to a possible suicide at the Manatee Public Beach. MCSO took over the call, found the female subject and took her to the hospital, according to police reports.
MCSO ticketed an 82-year-old man for the accident with Fleischer. The man had been pulling into Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive, and was cited for failure to yield the right of way, according to Davis.
— Kathy Prucnell