Tampa, FL – A Hillsborough County man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly striking a sheriff’s patrol vehicle during a traffic stop and fleeing the scene, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident occurred January 3, 2026, Saturday, at approximately 3:01 a.m. on Adamo Drive near Orient Road, a busy roadway east of downtown Tampa. A deputy was conducting an unrelated traffic stop when another vehicle struck the driver’s side of the marked patrol car and continued driving.
Deputies were able to locate and stop the suspect vehicle a short time later. The driver was identified as Armin Williams, 49, authorities said.
According to deputies, Williams allegedly showed signs of impairment at the scene. He was arrested and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, DUI with Property Damage or Personal Injury, and Refusal to Submit to Testing.
No serious injuries were reported in the crash. The extent of damage to the patrol vehicle was not immediately released.
The sheriff’s office used the incident to remind drivers about Florida’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with lights activated. Deputies say violations of the law continue to be a major safety concern for first responders, especially during overnight traffic stops.
Body-worn and in-car camera footage from the incident was released by the sheriff’s office and shows the patrol vehicle stopped on the roadside when it is struck.
Adamo Drive is a heavily traveled corridor connecting Tampa to eastern Hillsborough County, and deputies warn that impaired driving during overnight hours remains a significant risk to both law enforcement and the public.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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