Manatee County proclaim 'Trooper Toni Schuck Day' after she stopped intoxicated driver during Skyway 10K
BRADENTON, Fla. - In Manatee County, commissioners honored a local state trooper who put her life on the line to save thousands of runners on the Skyway Bridge.
"You showed such courage, bravery. Every time I watch that, it makes it hard. I just thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did," said Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh.
As Manatee County Commissioners marked March 22, 2022 as Trooper Toni Schuck day, Trooper Schuck wiped away tears.
"Trooper Schuck’s quick thinking and selfless decision to risk her life diverted a lethal disaster," said Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
As nearly 7,000 runners crossed the bridge, she heard a radio call, saying a driver hadn’t stopped for the road closure.
"At that point, I was facing northbound. At that point I turned my car around and faced southbound," she said.
FHP Trooper Toni Schuck recalls day she stopped suspected drunk driver during Skyway 10K
FHP Trooper Toni Schuck became emotional when she recounted the split-second decision she made to drive her patrol SUV right into the path of a suspected drunk driver, knowing she was the last line of defense to keep the speeding driver from reaching thousands of runners participating in the Skyway 10K.
Troopers say 52-year-old Kristen Watts of Sarasota was behind the wheel and kept going through the barricades.
"In my mind I’m thinking she’s going to stop. We have another check point she will stop at," Schuck recalled.
But Watts didn’t. Instead, she blew past cones, barriers and law enforcement officers.
Raw video: FHP dashcam video shows trooper stopping DUI driver from reaching Skyway 10K runners
Dashcam video from Florida Highway Patrol Master Trooper Schuck's Chevrolet Tahoe shows the moment she maneuvered her patrol SUV to stop a speeding DUI suspect who had driven around barricades from reaching thousands of runners participating in the Skyway 10K race.
Instead of letting Watts get onto the Skyway Bridge, Trooper Schuck veered her Chevy Tahoe into her path -- knowing she was the last line of defense to keep the suspected drunk driver from endangering the lives of the runners on the bridge.
Her cruiser was hit nearly head-on, sending her to the hospital.
"The outcome that had happened wasn’t the outcome that I had hoped. I was predicting another one in my head that morning, but I’m glad she didn’t get past me. And I’m glad it was me and nobody else got hurt," said Trooper Schuck on Tuesday morning.
Mayor Gene Brown with the city of Bradenton also presented Trooper Schuck with the key to the city.
"Just looking at her now and seeing the humility that comes out that she did this because she loves what she does and she did this for us," said Mayor Brown.
A Manatee County employee recalled the morning of the run.
"I was one of the few that got done early and I noticed the accident and the damage to your truck," said Kevin Oatman.
He thanked her – and his thanks is one that so many continue to echo.
"I can honestly say from the 8,000 runners that were out there. We thank you for what you did. It means a great deal," said Oatman.
Trooper Schuck said she plans to return to work once she fully recovers from her injuries.