FLORIDA TROOPER HIT BY DRUNKEN DRIVER

A police officer was the victim of a hit and run during a routine traffic stop early Saturday morning. Sgt. Dan Willix, a 19-year veteran, was standing outside of his patrol car on Interstate 4 just east of John Young Parkway when he was struck by a 2004 Chevy Tahoe.

The driver of the SUV fled the scene and continued eastbound on I-4. A witness followed the driver and called 911. His direction helped law enforcement stop the suspect at the intersection of state road 417 and Curry Ford Road.

The driver of the vehicle, Peter Ramirez, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, driving under the influence, and violation of the move over law.

Ramirez, 31, was taken to the Orange County Jail. Willix was taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center. He suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and is expected to be released Saturday afternoon.