Spring Hill crossing guards hit by driver who took off, suspect in custody: Deputies

SPRING HILL, Fla. - Two Spring Hill crossing guards were struck by a hit-and-run suspect Wednesday afternoon, according to Hernando County School District officials. 

Florida Highway Patrol said they got a call around 4 p.m. on Wednesday about a hit-and-run crash involving crossing guards. Then, deputies and troopers at the scene discovered there were two hit-and-run investigations.

"I was crossing over the street, stopped at the stop sign, and it was clear to approach. As I get out, some guy flew through and hit my car, and then, he went around and did a U turn on the same side of the road and hit two crossing guards," said Cody Martin, a hit-and-run victim who was struck in his car.

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SkyFOX flew over the scene at Deltona Boulevard and Northcliffe Boulevard. FHP and Hernando County deputies said the crossing guards were taken to the hospital by ambulance with serious injuries.

"I don't believe they were in the road attempting to cross children, because there were no children involved in this. I think they were waiting," said Denise Moloney, a spokesperson with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. 

She said the guards are two men in their 50s and older.

Deputies and troopers found the suspected driver and his car farther up the road on Deltona, the car damaged and off to the side.

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"Both hit and runs were within less than a block of each other. So, the deputy just happened to be traveling through the area and drove up just as the second hit and run of the of the pedestrians happened," said Moloney.

Flares lit the road as investigators snapped photos of the suspect’s car and handcuffed the suspected driver. The victim in the first hit-and-run said what happened was careless.

"I’ve never really been in one where somebody took off and decided to hit two crossing guards either, so I think it’s pretty upsetting," said Martin. "I feel like that was very selfish for him to act the way he did."

Even as Martin was shaken up, his concern is with the crossing guards who were just doing their jobs.

"I’m hoping that they are okay, and they make it through this okay," said Martin.

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