FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A disabled Flagler County Sheriff's Office employee was struck by a car in a hit-and-run Thursday.
Communications Specialist Stephen Watkins is a longtime member of FCSO, previously working as a detention deputy until a staph infection left him paralyzed. He stayed at the sheriff's department and transitioned into his new role.
At 5:54 p.m. Thursday, Watkins was riding a modified-hand-pedal bicycle near Sesame Boulevard when he was hit by a red Ford hatchback. The vehicle struck the back of Watkins' bicycle, causing his bike to spin around.
The driver then fled the scene.
Because Watkins cannot feel his lower body, he was taken to the hospital to be evaluated out of precaution, FCSO said. He had minor injuries.
The vehicle was identified and deputies connected the vehicle to a man named Andrew Croswell.
Croswell, 35, lives in Palm Coast. He was not at his home and deputies found him later that night still driving the same car, which was damaged from hitting Watkins, FCSO said. A female passenger was also in the car.
Croswell "admitted to driving the vehicle earlier in the day and hitting the bicycle, but claimed he did not think he hit a person so he continued driving," police said.
According to FSCO, officers searched Croswell and the passenger and found meth on both of them.
Croswell was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with Injury, possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.
His passenger was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.
During the booking process, Crosswell was allegedly found to have concealed additional methamphetamine on him, adding a charge of introduction of contraband into an inmate facility.
“Fleeing the scene of an accident is cowardly and illegal. In this case, the victim was a paralyzed man and a beloved member of the community and our team that was struck and left in the roadway,” said Sheriff Staly. “I commend the witnesses that stopped and called for help and the team effort that caught his pathetic driver. I’m also glad that Stephen was not seriously hurt and I’m happy to say these two cowards are now locked up at the Green Roof Inn, and their poison confiscated.”
