By Erika Pesantes
Sun-Sentinel
WEST BOCA, Fla. — A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy was knocked off his feet by a nearby lightning strike west of Boca Raton and taken to the hospital Thursday.
James Defago III, who did not suffer any serious injuries, was off duty but responded to a minor car accident on U.S. 441 and Glades Road before the strike at about 6:15 p.m., said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Teri Barbera.
Another deputy who responded to the crash site said he “heard a boom and found our deputy on the ground,” Barbera said.
He placed Defago, who never lost consciousness, in the patrol car away from the heavy rain and lightning. Defago was taken to West Boca Community Hospital, where he was kept overnight for observation.
It is unclear how far away the lightning struck from where Defago stood, Barbera said.
A speedy, but stormy system moved across the county Thursday night, dumping almost 2 inches of rain in Boca Raton.
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