But in the blink of an eye, his life forever changed after a hit-and-run driver struck him on the street, severing the lower part of his leg.
Detectives with the Broward Sheriffs Office said the crash happened June 3rd, at about 12:15 a.m.Patterson said he noticed a motorist in a Ford Mustang stranded in the turn lane on Cypress Creek Road at Dixie Highway.
Seconds after Patterson walked over to help the man in the disabled vehicle, he said he saw another car making a turn.
Even after nearly two weeks in the hospital, daily physical therapy, and phantom pain in the leg, Patterson said he does not regret helping someone else.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Broward Sheriffs Office or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.