FHP: Trooper stood 'as the last line of defense,' used car to stop DUI driver, save runners

Victor Hull, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read

The Florida Highway Patrol on Monday afternoon credited the actions of Trooper Toni Schuck for acting "as the last line of defense" and putting "herself in harm's way to protect others" during a collision near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

A 26-year veteran of the agency, Schuck aimed her patrol vehicle into the path of an oncoming car that had veered around barricades and headed onto the Sunshine Skyway Bridge approach packed with runners Sunday.

The Florida Highway Patrol applauds the actions of Trooper Toni Schuck, a 26 year veteran of the Patrol who, as the last line of defense to the Skyway 10K runners.
The Florida Highway Patrol applauds the actions of Trooper Toni Schuck, a 26 year veteran of the Patrol who, as the last line of defense to the Skyway 10K runners.

Schuck was seriously injured in the ensuing collision and hospitalized Sunday. An FHP statement Monday afternoon said the agency "acknowledges and expresses our appreciation to the many that have expressed their gratitude for the Trooper’s selfless actions.

"Those wishing to contact Trooper Schuck, who continues to recover from her injuries with her family at home, may send their thoughts to her attention at Florida Highway Patrol, 11305 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 or via our FLHSMV and FHP social media."

Earlier: Sarasota woman plowed through barricades towards hundreds of people on the Skyway Bridge

The Florida Highway Patrol applauds the actions of trooper Toni Schuck, a 26-year veteran of the patrol who was the 'last line of defense' to the Skyway 10K runners.
The Florida Highway Patrol applauds the actions of trooper Toni Schuck, a 26-year veteran of the patrol who was the 'last line of defense' to the Skyway 10K runners.

Kristen Kay Watts, 52, of Sarasota, was arrested by FHP on charges of driving under the influence with serious injury, two counts of DUI with property damage and two counts of reckless driving involving injury and property damage. She was taken to the Manatee County Jail.

Watts was also reported injured from the collision.

The FHP said that there were nearly 7,000 people and scores of support staff on the Skyway for the Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race Sunday morning. According to the agency, at 8:45 a.m., a 2011 BMW 335i driven by Watts northbound on Interstate 275 at an "excessive rate of speed" failed to stop or detour onto U.S. 41 as directed, instead driving through traffic cones and around other barricades with law enforcement officers present.

Recently: FHP investigates fatal pedestrian crash in Bradenton

The state officers tried to stop the vehicle which kept going, toward the Skyway ignoring two Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers guarding the Skyway toll plaza.

"The BMW then encountered two FHP Troopers who were responding southbound in the northbound lanes" of I-275 from the south Skyway rest area "to intercept the vehicle and protect the thousands afoot on the Skyway Bridge."

The car evaded the first trooper before colliding "nearly head-on" with Schuck's vehicle.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FHP trooper Toni Schuck saves runners on Sunshine Skyway Bridge with crash