MIAMI – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital Friday, two months after he was struck by a car on the Dolphin Expressway.
Trooper Carlos Rosario underwent several surgeries at the hospital and was thankful to head home.
"Because of God's grace, I'm alive," he said. "God saved me that day. I know that the road to a full recovery is long, but I thank God everyday that I am alive."
"I am so thankful for the doctors (and) everyone who worked on my husband. Because of them is why he's here. But first, I give the glory to God," Rosario's wife, Ana Rosario, said.
Authorities said Carlos Rosario was conducting a traffic stop along the Dolphin Expressway near Northwest 107th Avenue on the night of March 17 when he was struck by a distracted driver who was texting.
The trooper was standing near a vehicle pulled over in the shoulder when a black Chevy came barreling right at him.
Troopers said the driver hit Rosario and two patrol cars.
Rosario was taken to JMH's Ryder Trauma Center, where doctors discovered critical injuries to his face, spine and lower body.
He spent two months receiving treatment.
"God willing, soon I can return to what I love and enjoy doing, which is being a Florida Highway Patrol State Trooper," Rosario said.
Police said the driver, Hugo Olivares, 26, stayed on the scene.
He was arrested last week after detectives determined that he was texting and speeding when he ran off the road and struck Rosario.
Olivares faces charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and reckless driving causing property damage.