Leg Reported Missing From Accident Scene; Firefighter Accused

A bizarre story, a leg stolen from an accident scene, worse the accused is a St. Lucie County firefighter.

The car crash happened last Friday night. A Melbourne man lost control of his car and was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical center, but his amputated leg didn't go with him.

A car crash on Interstate 95, mile marker 117. Karl Lambert of Melbourne lost control of his car and slammed into a tree. He was badly beaten up. His attorney, Raymond Christian, says, "He had to be cut out of the vehicle, in the process of doing that they had to severe his left leg, 3 inches before the knee."

Lambert's Attorney says he was flown to the hospital, but his leg didn't follow. Wednesday, Lambert was told a female firefighter took it from the scene.

Assistant Fire Chief, Buddy Emerson, says, "It's not normal for remains or piece, or parts, to be removed from accident scene other than by the appropriate authority."

St. Lucie County Fire District Officials immediately sprung into action. St. Lucie County Fire District Public Information Officer, Catherine Whitaker, says, "Once it reached the level of the fire chief, Chief Parrish, he started an internal investigation."

Along with their investigation to find out the truth behind the story, Florida Highway Patrol started their own case. Right now, all Karl Lambert knows is what he was told: the leg didn't come with him and it was put in someone's freezer. His attorney says, "It's kind of creepy, no question about it. Obviously, Karl was distressed, he lost his leg, his first concern was, "Could it have been attached?"

St. Lucie Fire officials say the firefighter was not a rookie. Right now, she is still on the job pending the outcome of the investigation.

Lambert's attorney is looking at insurance coverage and doing their own investigation before filing any lawsuit.

We have been told the leg is finally at St. Mary's Medical Center.