TAMPA, Fla. — A deputy in Hillsborough County is recovering after he was hit by a vehicle while chasing a suspect.
Chronister said the deputy, 59-year-old Leonard Stoll, was hit at the intersection of N. Florida Avenue and W. Fletcher Avenue on Thursday morning.
Chronister said Stoll was chasing a juvenile suspect when he was hit by a passing vehicle. He suffered extensive leg injuries, an arm injury and a head injury. Chronister said he was thrown approximately 30 feet.
The day after the scary incident, Chronister visited Stoll at the hospital, who appears to be in good spirits.
According to Chronister, Stoll and another deputy were chasing two underage suspects for stealing $50 worth of merchandise from a Family Dollar.
Stoll and the other deputy caught one suspect, a 14-year-old, who was initially cooperative. According to Chronister, the juvenile ran when deputies tried to remove his backpack.
Chronister said Stoll followed on foot while the second deputy was in a car. Stoll was hit by a passing car that he didn't see coming, Chronister said.
The 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody and the second suspect, a 15-year-old, returned to the scene and turned himself in, Chronister said. Both had previous charges, according to Chronister.
The driver who hit Stoll is not at fault, according to Chronister, and wasn't speeding or impaired.
