Wendell Shepherd, a Broward, Florida detention deputy, was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly ran over a parking lot security guard’s foot while searching for a lost cell phone. Shepherd, 43, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. It is not clear whether he has been granted bail bond or enlisted the services of an attorney.
According to news reports, the incident occurred late on Sunday evening at Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, Florida. A police officer reportedly witnessed the event. The name of the victim has not been released; it is not clear whether the victim or their family will be seeking damages. He reportedly suffered from a broken ankle.
News sources indicate that Shepherd’s girlfriend lost her phone at the beach park. In order to search for it, Shepherd purportedly drove a red Mercedes-Benz to an entrance gate at the park, where he encountered the security guard. It is not clear whether Shepherd’s girlfriend was present at the time.
The security guard reportedly stood in the path of Shepherd’s vehicle and indicated to Shepherd that he needed to stop. However, Shepherd allegedly continued driving and accelerated. The security guard attempted to get out of the way of the vehicle, but his foot ended up being run over.
Once inside the parking lot, Shepherd reportedly parked his car and exited his vehicle. He reportedly said, “My girl lost her phone.” It is not clear whether he was immediately aware that he had run over the security guard’s foot.
Soon after, an examination by responding paramedics revealed that the victim’s ankle appeared to be broken. It is unclear where he was taking for treatment or whether his condition has improved.
Shepherd was arrested at 11:15 p.m. that evening. Keyla Conception of the Broward Sheriff’s Office gave a statement, saying that Shepherd will be placed on an unpaid suspension pending the outcome of the case. There is no indication that Shepherd has an arrest record; he has worked at the Broward Sheriff’s Office for the past 16 years.
While the victim in this case only suffered a foot injury, accidents involving motor vehicles often have far more serious consequences. On April 15, Scott Matesky was struck in a hit-and-run accident. He passed away on May 1.
The accident reportedly occurred in Delray Beach, Florida, near the intersection of West Atlantic Avenue and NW 10th Avenue. Matesky was reportedly crossing West Atlantic Avenue at the time of the accident. The exact time of the accident is not immediately clear, but it was purportedly morning. Matesky was waiting for a friend to pick him up and take him to Coconut Creek to a casino, sources say.
The hit-and-run vehicle was reportedly a white Honda Civic. Surveillance video that caught the incident purportedly shows Matesky flying through the air upon impact, and then shows the vehicle proceeding down the road without stopping to assist Matesky or call authorities. It is unknown whether police have any leads.
Eventually police were called and Matesky was taken to Delray Medical Center. He passed away after suffering from a pulmonary embolism.
Source: 5.10.17 Shepherd Battery