Florida Paramedic Struck by Hit-Run Driver

The Broward Sheriff's Office has arrested the hit-and-run driver who struck and seriously injured a Sunrise firefighter/paramedic as he worked an emergency call along a busy roadway late Tuesday night in Tamarac.

The paramedic, Steve Grimstead, 50, was listed in serious but stable condition at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, according to BSO.

The accident happened at 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 21, when 25-year-old Yolanda Bell of Carol City was traveling westbound in her 2006 Buick Rendezvous, BSO said.

Bell was arrested and charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. She is currently being held at BSO's Main Jail on $2,500 bond. Additional charges may be filed.

Bell came upon the scene of an emergency at the 10300 block of West Commercial Boulevard. Sunrise Police and Fire Rescue personnel were securing an air-rescue landing zone for a Sunrise shooting victim.

While traveling westbound on the innermost passing lane, Bell's driver's side rearview mirror struck Sunrise Firefighter/ Paramedic Steve Grimstead, 50, as he stepped off the median. Grimstead was forced to the ground upon impact as the Buick continued west toward the Sawgrass Expressway, BSO said.

Police issued a be-on-the-lookout alert for the hit-and-run driver, who was soon spotted by Sunrise police officers near the 1100 block of North University Drive.

Several minutes later, at 12:15 a.m., Bell returned to the crash scene and told a Sunrise police officer that she was the driver who struck Grimstead, BSO said.

The investigation continues.

Drivers on Florida highways are required to move over or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped, BSO said.

BSO once again urged motorists to comply with the state's 2002 Move Over'' law, which requires drivers to slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit and shift over one lane when emergency lights are flashing from the roadside.

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