HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Newly released 911 recordings show the frantic attempts by a Good Samaritan to try to save a motorcyclist who was struck by a car and set on fire in Hollywood last month.
Jason Swanson, 30, was killed the night of March 29 after he was struck by a car.
Police said Swanson was riding southbound on 56th Avenue, approaching Washington Street , when he was struck. The bike caught fire on impact.
Dispatch: "911 what is your emergency?"
Caller: "Yeah, there's been a very bad accident – motorcycle. It's on fire at the entrance. It's on 56th Avenue. He's on fire. He hit a wall."
Dispatch: "The motorcycle hit a wall?"
Caller: "Yeah! I'm inside my apartment. There's flames everywhere. I don't know man, you need to get them out here now!"
While on the line with the dispatcher, the man went outside in hopes of helping Swanson, only to discover that his body was already engulfed in flames.
Caller: "It's on fire. It's on fire and I mean it's big! The guy is on fire! The guy's on fire! Hurry up!...Listen man, you need to hurry up, I think he's dead! Holy (expletive)."
The caller is heard asking other witnesses if they have a fire extinguisher, but nobody does.
Dispatch: "Is there anyone who has water that they can put on this person that is on fire?"
Caller: "Looks like he's on fire. Looks like he's on fire. Get a bucket! Go grab a bucket!"
Witnesses told police that the woman who hit him got out of the car with a young girl, looked at the burning man and drove away.
Surveillance cameras captured the driver fleeing the scene.
The vehicle is described as a dark, late 1990s Ford Explorer or Sport Trac that should have damage on its lower passenger side near the running board.
Broward County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. The number is 954-493-TIPS.
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