LOUISA COUNTY, Va. -- A lieutenant with the Louisa County Sheriff's Office is recalling the moments after responding to the scene where a deputy was struck by a vehicle on Route 15, Friday night.
Patrol Lt. Patrick Sheriden said Deputy D.J. Hart responded to a call for a family stuck in a disabled car on Route 15, close to Rocky Road, near Gordonsville just before 7 p.m.
Deputy D.J. Hart
"When Hart arrived he began to contact a wrecker service to come and get the family," said Sheriden. "He contacted their family members because they couldn’t all ride with the wrecker."
Virginia State Police Sgt. Stephan Vick confirmed once the wreckers was leaving the scene, and the family was heading home, Deputy Hart went to cross the road.
"He was trying to get to his car so he could go to his next call when he was struck," said Sheriden.
Hart was hit by a Volkswagen that was traveling northbound on Route 15, according to Sgt. Vick. The speed limit on that road is 55 mph.
Near the accident scene.
Sheriden said he then rushed to the scene to find traffic was stopped in both directions and paramedics administering aid to the injured deputy.
"The biggest thing we wanted to do was get him to the hospital as fast as we can," said Sheriden, who rode with Hart in the ambulance to UVA Health System in Charlottesville.
"I was telling him 'stay awake, stay positive,'" said Sheriden.
After the crash, Hart suffered two broken legs. He underwent surgery and his injuries are considered non-life threatening.
VSP said no one has yet to be charged and the crash remains under investigation.
Lt. Sheriden said the focus now is to get Hart back home to his wife and young daughter.
Deputy D.J. Hart
"It was a terrible accident and right now we are just worried about him getting better to be with his family life, his career, and go on being Deputy Hart. The guy who protects and serves everyday," he said.
Louisa Sheriff’s Office Major Donald Lowe said Hart is a K-9 Deputy and has been with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for two and a half years.
A post on their Facebook page said “The LCSO would like to extent our sincerest appreciation for everyone's support and prayers.”
Post your well-wishes for Deputy Hart on the WTVR CBS 6 Facebook page.
