The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputy who was struck by a driver on Florida’s Turnpike while he was helping out with a crash just days after Christmas is heading home.
Deputy Leo Cantave left a hospital in Hollywood on Monday as he continues to recover from the Dec. 27 incident.
Cantave had stopped to help the Florida Highway Patrol with a crash on the Florida’s Turnpike when he was struck by a vehicle.
He was airlifted to the hospital in extreme critical condition.
Cantave has been with Miami law enforcement for 20 years and started with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue before joining the sheriff’s office.
According to investigators, 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson didn’t slow down and hit Cantave, sending him into the air.
According to an arrest report, Brinson admitted to using marijuana and drinking before the crash. Brinson’s license was suspended five times because he didn’t pay traffic fines, with the latest suspension on Dec. 8. He is facing charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and knowingly driving with a suspended license.