FLORIDA DEPUTY STRUCK BY MOTORCYCLIST'S FACE SHIELD

Authorities are searching for a motorcyclist who intentionally sped up after being flagged down by an Orange County sheriff's deputy, striking him on the forearm with the face shield of his helmet. Orange County sheriff's Deputy Chris Wood, 41, attempted to stop the motorcyclist on Votaw Road near Esther Street at about 6 p.m. Thursday. Wood stepped out in the road and raised his left arm, and the motorcycle began to slow down, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

As the motorcycle approached Wood, the driver accelerated, hitting the deputy on the arm, the sheriff's office said. The motorcyclist fled westbound on Votaw Road, and Wood lost sight of him near Christiana Drive. Wood suffered bruising and swelling to the inside of his arm, but he did not require immediate medical treatment.

No tag number of the motorcycle was obtained. The driver was described as a white teen or man. The assailant could face charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer if he is arrested.