A Pinellas County man who was caught on a Florida Highway Patrol's dash camera wants to thank the trooper for saving his life.
Video shows state trooper saving a motorcyclist who lost both legs in hit-and-run crash
Brandon Niles, 31, was ejected from his motorcycle after hitting the back of a vehicle that cut him off, police say. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper who witnessed the crash used tourniquets to aid Niles while they waited for first responders.
His significant other, Laura Niles, tells ABC Action News they want to thank that trooper for knowing what to do, "he's a hero, he's an angel."
Niles remains in an Intensive Care Unit in St. Petersburg where both of his legs were amputated under the knee.
"He didn’t want to close his eyes because he was afraid he would not make it for his kids," said his mother.
The driver of the other vehicle, 20-year-old Jah-Vez Tierre Deon Hill-Holmes, left the scene after the accident. He later returned and admitted to the whole thing, according to police.
Police say Hill-Holmes attempted to make a left turn in a Mitsubishi Galant across all lanes of westbound traffic on Park Blvd when he cut Niles off.
He was arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. He faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended or revoked license and felony violation of probation for uttering forged instruments.
Niles' attorney, Calvin Robinson, with The 813 Injury Law Group, said although the suspect had insurance, it won't be enough to cover the medical costs that could exceed $1 million.
Robinson said they have set up a fundraiser for Niles to help raise money for needed wheelchairs, updates to his home to make it wheelchair accessible with ramps and wider doorways. He adds Niles will eventually need prosthetic legs.
Robinson has a page on his website to help Niles in any way. You can click here to help.
Or, you can email the family here: HelpBrandonNiles@gmail.com
