Deputy Struck by DUI Driver After Selfless Act of Heroism Has Long Road to Recovery

Body camera footage of the moment a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy was struck by a car on the Florida Turnpike on Dec. 27, 2025, reveals that in the split second before impact, he likely saved a Doral police officer’s life by pushing him out of the vehicle’s path.

Deputy Leonard “Leo” Cantave was driving to work that Saturday morning when he responded to a routine call. Assigned to MDSO’s Midwest District in Doral, he stopped on the turnpike to assist Florida Highway Patrol troopers at the scene of a multivehicle crash.

Two vehicles involved in that crash were parked in the inside lanes of the turnpike. Deputy Cantave activated his emergency lights and positioned his marked patrol vehicle in the inside lane to shield those on scene, placing himself between oncoming traffic and the stranded motorists. He then made contact with one of the drivers to assess her condition. Deputy Cantave then walked over to the Doral officer, gave him a fist bump, and suddenly raised his hand to the officer’s chest, pushing him away. He had noticed a vehicle swerve around the Doral officer’s patrol car and head directly toward them. Footage of that moment, and the aftermath, was captured on the officer’s body camera.

The Doral officer and troopers ran to where Deputy Cantave lay. He was on his side, barely conscious, and his leg was twisted in a way that made it obvious it was broken. They turned him onto his back, and one repeatedly said, “Stay with us, Leo.”

Deputy Cantave, in critical condition, was flown to the trauma center at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries. He suffered a broken leg and arm, an injured shoulder and internal injuries. He remained in a coma for about a week and then underwent months of rehabilitation.

“Honestly, that day, I was just doing my job, like every day, and not only me, but all of you guys,” Deputy Cantave said during an awards ceremony on March 26, 2026, where he was presented with the Deputy of the Month Award, a Gold Medal of Valor — the agency’s highest honor — a Lifesaving Award and a Purple Heart. Members of the trauma team who treated Deputy Cantave attended the ceremony and applauded his tenacity in fighting for his life and committing to his rehabilitation.

Lonnel Brinson, 28, the driver who struck Deputy Cantave, was charged with reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, DUI with serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended license and other charges.

As a member of the Midwest District’s Neighborhood Resource Unit, his work focuses on community outreach. During his rounds in May 2023, he met a homeless woman living out of her van in a local park with a dead battery. Deputy Cantave bought her a new battery and, along with police dispatcher Nicole Sears, started a GoFundMe account to help her pay for necessities and secure a post office box. He also connected her with housing and job assistance.

“I just love helping people, that’s my nature, and God blessed me, I have a good job that allows me to provide, and if I can help out somebody, then I’ll do it,” Deputy Cantave said.