A newly released video from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments before and after Deputy Joshua Piece’s patrol car struck 79-year-old cyclist John Mullins in a pre-dawn collision at a Jensen Beach intersection on July 26.
The footage, a mix of dashcam and bodycam, captures Piece racing to another traffic accident with lights and sirens activated, entering the intersection on a green light, and colliding with Mullins, who authorities say ran a red light and was not in a crosswalk. The deputy is seen rushing to Mullins’ side, urging him to “just breathe” until backup and paramedics arrived. Mullins was airlifted to the hospital but did not survive.
Sheriff John Budensiek insisted “You can see that he’s got a green light, and you can see the victim cross in front of the deputy at an angle, again, not going across a crosswalk, not adhering to traffic rules which bicyclists are supposed to do. And our deputy, unfortunately, couldn’t avoid the crash”
Just want answers
But the victim’s family isn’t convinced. Their attorney has questioned the deputy’s speed, situational awareness, and adherence to procedure — prompting Budensiek to fire back, calling those concerns “asinine” and accusing “bottom feeder attorneys” of demonizing a grieving deputy.
The family’s lawyer maintains they “just want answers” and will sue if evidence shows any breach of policy. Mullins, a retired Yonkers, New York firefighter, leaves behind loved ones who now face both loss and controversy.
This story blends tragedy, disputed facts, and a sheriff’s very public defense of his deputy. The video may clear some doubts — or spark even more debate.
If this made you think twice about what really happens in split-second traffic tragedies, share it with someone who should see the video before making up their mind. 👇
“Bottom feeder attorneys” – seems like every cop in Florida is a straight shooter, dropping the truth.