Florida teen on life support following scooter crash in Ocala

A 15-year-old boy is on life support after being struck by a car while riding a scooter, a Christmas gift from his mother. Jermaine Bridges has been in a coma for two weeks following the crash on December 26 on County Highway 484 near Marion Oaks Pass in Ocala.

OCALA, Fla. - A 15-year-old boy is on life support after being struck by a car while riding a scooter, a Christmas gift from his mother.

Jermaine Bridges has been in a coma for two weeks following the crash last month near Marion Oaks Pass in Ocala.

'He did not deserve this'

The backstory:

His mother, Teshayna Bennett, spoke through tears, saying her son had been out riding for the first time since moving to the area.

"He did not deserve this," she said. "I've never experienced nothing like this, and I wouldn't ever want anybody to have to experience something like this."

The crash occurred just after 11 p.m. on Dec. 26, on County Highway 484, when Bridges was hit from behind by another vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and attempted to help.

"The driver of the vehicle, as well as the additional occupants of the motor vehicle — which was a Jeep Cherokee — had stopped, attempted to render aid, notified law enforcement authorities and, of course, medical personnel," explained FHP Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan.

What's next:

FHP has closed the case for now, but if Bridges succumbs to his injuries, further investigation and possible charges will follow.

"If he does succumb to his injuries from this crash, all of that stuff obviously will be documented appropriately," Sgt. Bryan It will be followed up with a supplemental investigation that our agency does. And then from that, if charges are warranted, then they'll be issued at that time."

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward.

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