Local

Attorney general warns of charity scams exploiting heroics of injured FHP trooper

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Officials are warning residents of potential charity scams claiming to be raising money for an injured Florida Highway Patrol trooper.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

According to Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office, two fake GoFundMe campaigns are “attempting to exploit the heroic actions of Florida Highway Patrol Master Trooper Toni Schuck.”

Last week, a drunk driver drove through a blockade and was speeding toward runners in a 10K race in St. Petersburg.

Trooper Schuck, in an effort to stop the driver, drove her patrol vehicle in front of the suspected drunk driver to protect the runners.

WATCH: FHP trooper drives car into path of drunk driver heading toward Tampa 10K

FHP said there are no authorized online fundraisers connected to the incident or to Schuck, and both campaigns have been removed.

Read: State trooper saves runners’ lives after accused drunken driver ignores traffic cones, detour

The attorney general’s office warns residents to do their homework before making any donation and to report any suspicious charity to the attorney general’s office by calling 866-9NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.