A Smithfield man is recovering from injuries after being struck by the driver of an EMS ambulance.
Mickey Joe Crocker of Smithfield was walking across the entrance driveway at PNC Bank at 410 E. Market Street in Smithfield around 8:30am Monday when he was struck by a Johnston County EMS ambulance that was leaving the parking lot area and attempting to make a right turn on E. Market.
Smithfield Police said the driver of the ambulance, Hannah Jeanette Sylvester of Raleigh, said she did not see the pedestrian because he was walking so close to the front of the ambulance. A witness said Crocker was walking past the driveway and saw the EMS ambulance waiting for traffic. The ambulance then drove forward and struck Crocker. The witness said the ambulance had to reverse due to running over Crocker’s legs.
A second ambulance responded to the scene and transported Crocker to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh for treatment.
An accident report from Officer R.S. Wooden indicated the incident was still an open and active investigation. At last check, no charges had been filed.
Kevin Hubbard, Johnston County Director of Emergency Services, told WTSB News on Wednesday an internal investigation into the accident was underway.
Two EMS employees were riding in the ambulance at the time of the crash but there was no patient on board.
Hubbard said the ambulance was not responding to a call at the time of the accident. JoCoReport.com File Photo
