Ocala police officer injured by fleeing suspect has been released from hospital
The Ocala police officer who was seriously injured in a head-on collision late last month has been released from the hospital.
Sgt. Ron Malone was discharged on Tuesday after undergoing treatment at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and a rehabilitation facility.
Police Chief Mike Balken said Wednesday that Malone was met by a large group of police personnel. Malone was emotional when he saw the support shown by his colleagues.
"He was touched. It was an emotional moment," said Balken, who was among those present when Malone was discharged.
The chief said Malone was in "great spirits" and is excited to continue his recovery.
"We're lucky it wasn't more serious. This serves as a reminder of what the men and women out there do," he said.
What happened?
Malone was injured the night of Aug. 26. He was sitting in his patrol vehicle, in the grassy median of Maricamp Road near First Baptist Church, getting ready to put stop sticks out to stop a man who was being chased by police.
Authorities said the fleeing Acura ILX struck Malone's vehicle head-on. Officials said the Acura hit Malone's cruiser at 91 mph.
The driver of the Acura, Kristopher Kent Winningham, 44, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died.
No timetable for work
While in the hospital, Malone had to undergo at least one surgery to his shoulder. He also attended rehab due to his injuries, police officials said.
Balken said Malone will be out on medical leave until he's cleared by doctors to return. When he returns, it will be on light duty until he's fit to resume his duties as a patrol sergeant with his squad, Balken said.
"I consider us blessed," Balken said.
Officer-involved shooting
In other news, three police officers involved in the June 3 shooting death of a man in the Home Depot parking lot have been allowed to return to active duty, the chief said.
The men, Jesus Santiago, Jason Santos and Ferdinand Collazo, were back at work within the past week. The officers, who had been on administrative duties, have been on the job for a combined 16 years, according to the officers' records.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents are continuing their investigation into the incident. Once they've concluded their report, it will be sent to the State Attorney's Office for review on whether deadly force was justified.
Officers at the police department will also review the situation to see if any policies or procedures were violated. A shooting review board will examine the incident to see if anything can be improved.
Shortly before 9 a.m. on June 3, officers were called to the home improvement store parking lot at 3300 SW 35th Terrace due to a mother's concern about her son making suicidal threats.
When officers arrived, they attempted to talk to the man, 41-year-old Robert Francisco Gonzalez.
Gonzalez opened fire on the officers. They returned fire, and Gonzalez was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Witnesses told the Star-Banner that the man was acting strangely. One witness said the man fired first at the officers.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala police: Officer seriously injured in a crash is now back home
