CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A local firefighter run over by a truck is still in the intensive care unit. The three men accused of putting him there are other first responders.
“He’s in ICU and hopefully he’ll make a speedy recovery and be able to come through all of this,” said Skyler Davis, owner of Dalton’s Sports Grill.
For several days, Clay County fire Lt. John Taylor has been fighting for his life, after the Florida Highway Patrol said he was run over by a first responder in his Ford F-250.
“Prayer is very powerful, just keep him in your prayers,” Davis said.
When the husband and father of two isn’t serving his community, Taylor is on the stage playing with his band at Dalton’s Sports Grill.
“Definitely an entertainer, and everybody loved him,” said Davis, who was working Friday, Sept. 8, the night his performer and friend was run over.
“Actually the night was over, and it was finished and done. Packed up all his equipment, everybody was headed out to go get breakfast at Waffle House and have a good night,” he said.
But Davis said things quickly changed when they walked outside.
“Unfortunately some things took a turn for the worse,” Davis said.
According to FHP, Taylor got into a verbal argument with another firefighter. FHP said the firefighter punched Taylor, and when Taylor tried to punch back, he fell and was run over. Troopers said someone yelled at the men to stop. But the report said another passenger, a firefighter, urged the driver to take off, while Taylor was bleeding on the ground.
“Some people are just cruel in this world, and I would never dream that something like that would happen,” Davis said.
Friends say Taylor has several broken bones and internal injuries.
“Hopefully justice is served,” Davis said.
Davis says there will be a benefit concert on Sept. 30 at Dalton’s Sports Grill at noon to help the family with medical costs.
Cox Media Group
