Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against a man following an alleged assault on a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper. The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Hillsborough County on October 20, 2025.
Leonardo Gomez Hernandez, 40, of Mexico, faces charges of Resisting an Officer with Violence and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.
The incident began when an FHP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on State Road 579 for a vehicle with an improperly displayed tag. During the stop, the trooper learned that both the driver and the passenger, identified as Gomez Hernandez, had allegedly entered the U.S. illegally.
Under the 287(g) program, which allows state law enforcement to assist in federal immigration enforcement, the trooper attempted to detain Gomez Hernandez.
Gomez Hernandez allegedly resisted arrest and tried to flee when the trooper deployed his Taser. While resisting, he allegedly choked and punched the trooper. Backup subsequently arrived and detained Gomez Hernandez.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that the charges reflect the seriousness with which Florida treats attacks on law enforcement officers. “Our troopers risk their lives to keep this state safe, and those who think they can assault a Florida officer will face the full weight of the law,” Uthmeier said.
FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner also commented, noting that the trooper was “serving and protecting our community,” and that “An attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our community.”
Gomez Hernandez is currently being held without bond in the Hillsborough County Jail. Both charges—Resisting an Officer with Violence and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer—are classified as second-degree felonies. Each charge carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
