Update: Deputy Baker is still being treated at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa after a car accident. His condition is listed as fair.
Originally reported: On Saturday June 28, at approximately 4:43 a.m., Deputy James Baker was traveling westbound on Cortez Boulevard approaching the intersection of U.S. 301 in his marked patrol car. A vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 301 hit the driver’s door of Deputy Baker’s patrol car.
The two individuals in the car fled from the scene.
Hernando County Fire/Rescue was called to the scene to treat the injured and additional law enforcement officers were called to the scene to attempt to locate the individuals that fled.
One individual was located by Sergeant Tom Banks and one individual was located by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. Both individuals were returned to the scene.
Deputy James Baker was evaluated and treated on scene by Hernando County Fire/Rescue and then flown by medical helicopter to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, where he was admitted. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.
The crash investigation is being handled by the Florida Highway Patrol.
