Lt. Larry O'Rear
A firefighter was struck by a car and seriously injured while directing traffic around a wreck on East Brainerd Road on Sunday night.
Fire officials said Lt. Larry O'Rear's injuries were serious, but not believed to be life-threatening. He was listed in fair condition Monday morning.
Firefighter O'Rear was assisting with directing traffic in the 7900 block of East Brainerd Road at a traffic crash that had occurred between the Burger King and Hardee's Restaurant's.
Based on witness information the firefighter was standing on the double yellow line safely in the utility lane area flagging west bound traffic.
While directing traffic through the utility lane (west bound) a red Mercedes driven by Andrea L.
Payne was traveling (east bound) in the lane closest to the utility lane.
Ms. Payne did not observe the firefighter and struck him sending him over the passenger side of her vehicle.
Charges are forthcoming once the facts of the case have been reviewed.
Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this crime to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.