Officer says he stayed at scene after hitting pedestrian; Witnesses say no

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Investigators said a Brevard County deputy tried to help a man he struck with his car while off-duty, but witnessed have told Channel 9 the officer left the scene and was nowhere to be found.

Authorities said 20-year-old Robert Rajah was seriously injured when he was struck by Sgt. James Sellers on Saturday night.

The crash happened about 11 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 50 and Hickory Hill Boulevard.

Police said Rajah was not in a crosswalk when he was hit by Sellers, who was in his personal vehicle at the time of the crash.

According to investigators, Sellers stayed at the scene, but his passenger drove the vehicle to a nearby residence.

But witnesses told Channel 9’s Christopher Heath a different story.

“I did not see a gentleman standing there,” said witness Laz Leidner. “I was the first one that was on the scene.”

Leidner said not only was Sellers not at the scene, but deputies didn’t even collect a statement from him.

“I didn't see the car that hit him,” said Leidner. “As I ran out of my car, I was looking for the person who hit him to see if they were there, but they weren't.”

Rajah was airlifted to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical condition, according to officials.

Titusville police wouldn't comment on the case other than to say it is an active investigation, adding it will be treated no differently just because it involves a member of law enforcement.

Sellers is not facing charges, authorities said.

The victim's family has since hired a prominent Orlando attorney.

WFTV