CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- It's a scene Mark Carley replays in his mind. Last November, a Chesterfield Police Officer struck Carley as he stood on Route 10.
Carley, who lives in this tent, has extensive scars and said he was in constant pain from the crash that left him confined to a wheelchair.
"I really want to get out of this wheelchair more than anything. Go back to work. Hang out with my friends," Carley said.
He said he vividly remembered what happened that night, even though he and his attorney said they haven't been allowed to see the officer's body camera footage.
A Chesterfield Police spokesperson said the department had no record of that specific request, but added Carley and his attorney were welcome to view the video.
Police showed the video to the CBS 6 Problem Solvers on Tuesday but said recording the video was not allowed.
The video showed the officer, who was driving with no emergency lights. swerve to avoid two people crossing Route 10 when the cruiser struck Carley.
Carley was in the road near the median.
The police report indicated the officer was driving 43 in a 35 mph zone.
The officer then got out of the car and called for help.
A passing nurse stopped to assist the badly injured Carley.
Carley said he suffered a broken pelvic bone, a broken nose, a concussion, and had to get 177 staples to close wounds.
Carley said the county denied his insurance claim citing sovereign immunity. He said he doesn't have insurance and cannot afford to pay for the rehab which he needs to walk again.
Supporters have donated to a GoFundMe.
After our initial story on Carey aired, Dr. Sarah Scarbrough, with the REAL LIFE program, contacted the Problem Solvers to say the nonprofit, which offers transitional housing and other services, could help.
"That's just devastating and to have to go attempt to lay down in a tent after going through those injuries, I just can't imagine," Dr. Scarbrough said. "We make sure their health and mental health are taking care of. Make sure that they have Medicaid, food stamps, really whatever they need to be productive and have that thriving life is what we work on."
Because of community donations, the REAL LIFE program can offer these services free of charge.
Officials there said they wanted Carley to know they're just a call away.
You can reach REAL LIFE by calling 804-406-4111.
