HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A suspected drunk driver slammed into a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy early Saturday morning, striking the patrol car during an active traffic stop before attempting to flee the scene.
The collision occurred at 3:01 a.m. on January 3, 2026, along Adamo Drive near Orient Road. According to investigators, the deputy was seated inside his unmarked patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated while conducting an unrelated stop. An eastbound vehicle drifted into the scene, sideswiping the driver’s side of the cruiser.
The driver did not immediately stop. Deputies say the motorist continued eastbound for approximately one mile before the deputy involved in the crash was able to catch up and initiate a second traffic stop.
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Deputies identified the driver as 49-year-old Amin Williams. Following the stop, Williams reportedly showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody.
Williams faces multiple charges, including Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage or Personal Injury, and Refusal to Submit to Testing.
Despite the impact, officials confirmed that no injuries occurred, and both vehicles sustained only minor damage. However, Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the incident as a close call that underscores the daily hazards deputies face.
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“This incident is a reminder of how dangerous the roadside can be for our deputies,” Chronister said. “Florida’s Move Over Law exists to protect law enforcement, first responders, and roadside workers. When drivers fail to slow down, move over, or choose to drive impaired, lives are put at risk.”
The Sheriff’s Office is using the arrest to remind the public of Florida’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to vacate the lane closest to stopped emergency vehicles or significantly reduce their speed if changing lanes is unsafe.
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