Police Officer Pete Soto vividly remembers the 2010 motorcycle crash that crushed his pelvis and caused near-fatal injuries. He also recalls the life-saving care he received at MetroHealth, one of the reasons he is continuing his recovery process at MetroHealth.

Soto, an Avon police officer, was critically injured when a trucked pulled out in front of Soto’s police motorcycle on Oct. 12, 2010. The entire left side of his pelvis was shattered, his left shin bone was broken and he suffered major damage to his left shoulder.

A team led by MetroHealth traumatologist Heather Vallier, MD, rebuilt his pelvis and dealt with other internal damage. Nearly two months later, Soto was released to go home. Since then, he has had further surgeries at MetroHealth and has been in physical therapy as an outpatient.

He’s out of a wheelchair and walking with the help of crutches. One of his goals is to walk without those crutches.

Although his injuries were critical, Soto said he was fortunate due to the fact that the accident happened in a region where advanced medical care is available.

“I have to thank MetroHealth,” he said.

Photo credit: Beth Segal Photography