BMW driver hits deputy after traffic stop: Hillsborough County Sheriff

Trevor Sochocki and Katlyn Brieskorn

6 minutes ago

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County deputy was seriously injured Friday morning after a suspect rammed him with a BMW.

The sheriff's office said an HCSO deputy attempted to stop a driver in a black BMW on Bearss Avenue near Nebraska Avenue, but the suspect fled.

At 12:25 a.m., the sheriff's office said the deputy again attempted to stop the driver of the BMW on Plantation Oaks Drive.

The sheriff's office said the deputy saw the driver of the BMW backing into a parking space. After the driver backed into the space, the deputy activated his emergency lights and got out of an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe.

“As he (the deputy) approached the vehicle, it accelerated to a very high rate of speed and struck Kalin Hall before continuing on its way. The driver had no regard for human life at that point and fled the scene,” a sheriff's office spokesperson said.

Deputy Kalin Hall was taken to Tampa General Hospital with a broken left leg and injured right leg. Hall has been with the sheriff's office for 11 years.

“He is undergoing surgery and is in good spirits, but we also ask everyone to pray for him,” the sheriff's office said.

Investigators said they later found the suspect's BMW abandoned about a mile from the second stop. Detectives identified the car's owner and took him into custody.

“This suspect’s actions have no regard for human life. He chose to ram a deputy without considering that his reckless actions could have a tragic impact on the deputy’s life,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our deputies come to work wanting to make a difference in their community with every call for service, but they also know how dangerous this career can be, putting their lives on the line every day.”

The sheriff's office released body camera video showing the moment the suspect struck Hall. Video may be difficult to watch. Viewer discretion is advised.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.