Published on Friday, February 3, 2006
in the Local 10 News

Youngest State Trooper Injured During Traffic Stop Released From Hospital

MIAMI -- A rookie Florida Highway Patrol trooper seriously injured while on a traffic stop in Miramar last month was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center Friday.

Trooper Darryl Haywood Jr. pulled over a motorist on Florida's Turnpike and was in his patrol cruiser when a pickup truck that veered onto the shoulder rammed it from behind Jan. 22.

The impact pushed the patrol car into a Hyundai that Haywood, 20, had just pulled over.

"I have no recollection -- no recollection of what happened to me," Haywood said at a news conference Friday.

The driver of the pickup, Robert Dimmie Jr., 22, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was treated for minor injuries.

Haywood, who left the hospital in a wheelchair, suffered a severe concussion and has been undergoing neurological rehabilitation.

"Darryl probably won't be ready for active duty for one or two more months, but his prognosis is very good," Dr. Phillip Villanueva said.

Haywood's father was killed in October 2004 when his cruiser crashed into a tree on Interstate 4 in Volusia County. He was trying to stop a speeding motorcyclist when a tire on his cruiser blew out.

"I'm just absolutely blessed," Haywood's mother, Linda Haywood, said. "The experience that I went through 15 months ago shook me and, undoubtedly, this didn't help, but I just wanted a good outcome from this. I didn't want to lose them both."

Haywood Jr. is the youngest person to become a state trooper.