A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a car on the Dolphin Expressway in Miami-Dade Friday morning.
The trooper, identified as 37-year-old Carlos Rosario by law enforcement sources, was conducting a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of the expressway near Northwest 107th Avenue when he was struck by an out-of-control car, officials said.
The trooper was standing behind his vehicle on the shoulder with an emergency vest on when he was struck.
Rosario, a 12-year veteran of the FHP, was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was in critical but stable condition.
"He's got major injuries, mostly orthopedic injuries, a lot to his face, spine and lower extremities," a doctor said at a Friday press conference. At the hospital, loved ones and fellow troopers consoled each other as Rosario was being treated. Gov. Rick Scott and several local law enforcement agencies paid tribute to the injured trooper.
Friday evening, FHP officials said Rosario underwent facial surgery and was set to undergo hand surgery. Doctors were expected to operate on his legs Saturday if his condition improved.
Footage showed an FHP car and another vehicle with rear damage. Officials said the car stayed at the scene and the driver was cooperating with the investigation. He was bloodied from the crash, but not seriously hurt.
Officials said they have to determine how the driver lost control causing the vehicle to spin sideways and hitting the trooper. At this point, FHP has not filed charges or citations against the driver.
Rosario is a father of two. Florida Highway Patrol set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the trooper and his family.
