Florida deputy survives lightning strike as patrol car takes shocking hit, officials say

Florida deputy's car struck by lightning

A Walton County Sheriff's Office deputy's patrol car was struck by lightning while he was driving it. He was transported to a local hospital, but is expected to be OK.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida deputy was hospitalized over the weekend after his patrol car was struck by lightning, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

The lightning strike happened while the deputy was driving on U.S. 331 South near Sherwood Drive on Sunday, deputies said on Facebook.

He was transported to a local hospital and is now awake and conscious.

He's expected to be OK, deputies said.

Photo: Walton County Sheriff's Office

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The deputy's vehicle, however, became inoperable after lightning struck and fried the electrical system. A photo shared by the sheriff's office shows damage near the top of the patrol car.