CINCINNATI — The sheriff’s deputy who had to be hospitalized after being struck by a hit-and-run driver last October was emotional in court Friday for the driver’s sentencing.
"I could've been killed out there on the roadway,” said Hamilton County Deputy Curtis Taylor. “It could've been a kid out there crossing the street, which happens frequently up there on Hamilton Avenue. It could've been a kid."
Seven of the deputy’s colleagues were in court to show support for Taylor as the driver, Daniel Reynolds, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. It’s the third time Reynolds was charged for leaving the scene of an accident. One was dropped and the other is still pending.
Though Reynolds apologized, Sgt. Thomas Lange didn't buy it.
"To top it off, he hits Officer Taylor and flees. He doesn't stop. He doesn't get out. He doesn't look. He doesn't care,” Lange said.
“All he cares about is himself.”
Taylor was working an off-duty traffic detail when Reynolds hit him on Hamilton Avenue, police say. Taylor needed surgery. Three months later, he still walks with crutches and has trouble doing other things on his own.
"I take full responsibility for leaving the scene and I was wrong for leaving the scene of the accident at the moment,” said Reynolds, who pleaded no contest. “I let my emotions and thoughts get the best of me."
Judge Jody Luebbers, though, didn’t buy his apology, either.
"You knew exactly what was going on. Your emotions got the best of you?" Luebbers scoffed. "How is that, Sir, that this is the third time this has happened to you where you’re leaving the scene?"
Luebbers also suspended Reynolds’ license for three years.
A GoFundMe account was set up to help Taylor pay medical bills and other costs arising from his injury.
