ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit-and-run that occurred Thursday after the family of a man who was struck on foot by a car shared shocking video of the incident, recorded by the victim himself.
In the video, shared with News 6 by Michael Garay, the victim’s son, his father Matthew Gerren can be seen being thrown through the car’s windshield, giving a momentarily clear view of the car’s driver. You can see this footage in the video player at the top of this story.
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The crash occurred on Miami Road in Orlando, Garay said.
According to Garay, his mother had said something to the driver — allegedly criticizing the manner in which he was driving — while she was headed home. Later, when his mother noticed she was being followed by the car, she called her family in order to have them outside and ready confront the driver upon her return, Garay said.
Myers is Gerren’s fiancé, but due to their long-standing relationship, they call each other husband and wife.
INVESTIGATION: @OrangeCoSheriff is investigating after this driver is caught on video hitting a man in front of his home on Miami Rd this past Thursday. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/bwQCu5jkjR
— Brian Didlake (@News6Brian) April 18, 2022
Garay says his father immediately getting out his phone to record just in case after learning the driver was following his wife home from work after the two had a brief argument on the road, allegedly criticizing the manner in which he was driving.
“He switched a lot of lanes and she yells something at him along the lines of drive better, watch what you’re doing and he throws something at her car because he didn’t like that response,” Garay said.
Gerran spoke to us from the hospital through video call.
“I remember my wife came out because this guy was following her, and I went out to record him and I remember thinking oh (expletive), he doesn’t have a license plate and hit me with his car,” Gerren said.
News 6 asked the family if they were familiar with the driver, but they all said no.
A neighbor’s security footage captured the terrifying moments. You can see the blue car back-up and hit Gerren before taking off.
The son, 15-year-old Michael Garay, says after driver kept going after hitting his father swerving left and right to get his father off of the windshield which broke into pieces. The incident tearing his clothes to shreds.
— Brian Didlake (@News6Brian) April 18, 2022
You can see a portion of them below. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/LZAOFJNfwr
“I’m sure the front end is dented, I saw the front shield window completely broke and he just starts driving. He speeds off,” Garay said.
Garay says as the driver was speeding, as Gerren was still stuck on the windshield. He says the driver swerved left and right to throw Gerren off the car.
Garay said his father was hospitalized in stable condition with a broken wrist from the crash. Gerren now has a concussion and will have to wear a back brace for the next year, Garay said.
After the driver sped off the father was left with several injuries on his back, arms and head. His son even telling me that his father will need a back brace for the next year. The family sharing pictures of the damage. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/sqLdJf5w0o
— Brian Didlake (@News6Brian) April 18, 2022
Both surveillance and cell phone video did not capture the license plate number. Garay said it had a cover on it, but describes the vehicle as a blue Acura.
The family leaves this message for the driver.
“You shouldn’t of done that it’s completely different than just hitting someone and leaving,” Garay said. “You followed us home causing more than enough stress to our family.”
If you have any information about this case you’re encourage to call deputies.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. You can find that link here.
News 6 reached out to Orange County deputies, who confirmed Saturday that an investigation is active and ongoing, but gave no additional details.
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for the latest updates.