How the crash happened
On Feb. 26, the crash report states, Pagano was driving his patrol vehicle westbound on 17th Street in the inside lane approaching 22nd Avenue.
An older model Jeep Wrangler pulled out from 22nd Avenue, attempting to turn left onto 17th.
The vehicles collided. The damage was extensive. The patrol vehicle struck a tree and briefly caught fire. The Jeep struck a concrete crosswalk pole.
A witness told officers that Pagano was speeding and did not have his emergency lights or siren activated.
The Jeep driver, James Riley Montgomery, 71, of Ocala, was taken to a hospital for treatment of rib and pelvic fractures, officials said. He could not be reached for comment. Pagano also suffered minor injuries.
Rinse, wash, repeat: The car washes keep opening in Ocala/Marion
ocala.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ocala.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Luxury apartment complex planned for SE Ocala concerns neighbors
ocala.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ocala.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Quliptens Montgomery, 45, was killed late the night of June 25 near downtown Ocala.
According to Ocala police, he was struck by a newer model Toyota while walking in the northbound lane in the 1000 block of South Pine Avenue. His body, under the vehicle, was dragged for blocks until it came free in front of the downtown post office.
The driver left that scene and crashed at Southeast Broadway Street and Southwest Tuscawilla Avenue. The driver fled, and has not been found. How could you be so cruel? Montgomery s daughter asked during an interview with the Star-Banner.
Authorities said the car, a 2021 Toyota Avalon, is in their possession. They are processing it for DNA and fingerprints.