NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Metro police officer who was critically injured after being hit by a car is talking about the accident for the first time.
In just a few weeks, Metropolitan Nashville Police Officer Brent Hoadley hopes to be riding for the city's mounted patrol, but just a few months ago Hoadley couldn't even walk.
On a Saturday morning in January, Hoadley was hit by a car while directing traffic around an accident on Murfreesboro Pike. Officer Hoadley's face hit the windshield and roof of the car. His injuries have required several surgeries. He remembers very little about the accident, but he does remember a firefighter yelling.
"I think I was able to hear him. I don't remember it, but I was able to get off my feet, and the car didn't actually run over me. I went up and over the car," said Hoadley.
That little jump may have saved his life. Instead of going under the car, Hoadley hit the top of the windshield and roof. He suffered several injuries including a broken leg and a fractured shoulder bone.
"My jaw was fractured as well and knocked out a total of nine teeth," he said.
At the hospital doctors performed a tracheotomy so he could breathe. He couldn't talk and he was in a wheelchair.
"My father had to drive up from Shelbyville, and when he got to the hospital he saw the first thing elevators doors with Mayor and Chief standing there and realized the seriousness of it," said Hoadley.
Police charged the driver of the Toyota, Gameel Mesad, with not moving over, but Hoadley doesn't hold a grudge.
"I'm not mad at him. I guess, short answer, I'm not mad at him. I don't think he maliciously meant to run me over," he explained.
Hoadley is thankful for all the support and help from his family and friends. He said what's most important is to publicize the move over law so it doesn't happen again, and getting well enough to fulfill that lifelong dream of riding for the mounted patrol.
"Yeah, I've got a few little surgeries coming up, but then I'll be back full time, but I'm doing good. Definitely blessed and thankful," he said.
Hoadley said one of his biggest supporters has been the mother of Christie Dedman. Officer Dedman was the last Metro officer killed in the line of duty. That was eight years ago and it was while Dedman was assisting a motorist. Hoadley said he gets a get well card or letter every week from her mother.
