HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — A 71-year-old Vietnam veteran is recovering in the hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Hollywood.

From his hospital bed, Bruce Smith shared his story in hopes that the driver will be found and held accountable.

Smith said he was crossing the intersection of Federal Highway and Fillmore Street on October 1st, riding home on his scooter from the grocery store, when a dark-colored car slammed into him and fled the scene.

“I waved to him. Next thing I knew — boom,” Smith recalled. “I ended up on the ground for 18 minutes. I couldn’t move. I felt like a mashed potato.”

The crash left Smith with three fractured ribs and multiple bruises. Despite his injuries, he remains in good spirits and determined to get justice.

“Maybe he didn’t have insurance, maybe he didn’t have a license,” he said. “But please, respect somebody. When you hit someone, you should stop. Just don’t drive away.”

Smith, who has one leg and uses a mobility scooter, isn’t sure if the scooter still works after the crash. But his main concern is making sure the driver is found — to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.

Police are still investigating the incident and searching for the driver. Smith hopes that eyewitnesses or surveillance footage from the area will help lead to an arrest.

71-year-old veteran speaks out after surviving hit-and-run in Hollywood

About The Author

Aaron Maybin