Officers Assist Driver During Medical Emergency

At approximately 11:25 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Calvin Batts was traveling eastbound on Highway 40 when he observed a tan four-door car traveling slowly through the center of the intersection at NE 36th Avenue. When he got closer, Deputy Batts was able to see that the driver was possibly having a medical emergency behind the wheel. The vehicle came to a stop after it collided with a road sign and Deputy Batts immediately ran to the vehicle to help the driver. Ocala Police Department Officer Daniel Wagner was also driving by when he saw the crash and he stopped to assist Deputy Batts. Deputy Batts was able to break the rear passenger-side window so they could unlock the car doors, and both Deputy Batts and Officer Wagner were able to remove the driver from the car and stabilize him until paramedics arrived on scene. The driver was transported to the hospital, where he is in stable condition.

It is without a doubt that the quick response of these officers prevented a tragic result in this case. We are tremendously proud of everyone involved...Thank you for being the Guardian Angels for this driver and for all of our citizens!! - Marion County Sheriff's Office