State Capitol Police Officer Injured In Traffic Accident Returns To Duty

RALEIGH — More than 10 months ago, a State Capitol Police officer was told his career was over following a traffic accident. On Tuesday, Brandon Bradshaw put back on his badge and went on patrol.

Bradshaw's police cruiser was T-boned by a Ford Expedition traveling 50 to 60 miles per hour. Bradshaw suffered a broken neck, bruised internal organs and severe brain damage.

"I saw the car I was in, and I was told it is a medical miracle I am alive," he said. "Well, I don't want to disagree with the doctors and stuff, but it is not a medical miracle. It is a miracle from God.

Bradshaw spent months in therapy, re-learning how to eat, walk, and do the simplest things.

"When I first came out of the hospital, it was hard for me to do two things at once. I joke about it now, like chewing gum and walking," he said.

Bradshaw has been assigned to the downtown bike patrol with Sgt. Patrick Maynard.

"He is a strong individual and very determined. We are proud of him," Maynard said.

"It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to be a police officer, ever since I was young. I had that dream come true in 1996," Bradshaw said. "To have it taken away in a matter of seconds less than a year ago was traumatic and hard to deal with, and now my lifelong dream has come true twice in one life."

Officer Bradshaw will continue physical therapy. He practices martial arts daily to help with his reaction time and agility.