HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted “Operation Turkey Trot” from Wednesday, November 23, 2022, through Sunday, November 27, 2022, in an effort to keep drivers under the influence, off the road.
In partnership with the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol, HCSO deputies patrolled the county targeting both drug and alcohol-impaired drivers, helping keep drivers safe this holiday weekend.
“Holidays are a treasured time, and we all love getting together with our relatives, but their safe return is key,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “It is a community-wide effort to make Hillsborough County as safe as possible, especially during the holidays. While Thanksgiving is over, the holiday season has just begun, and I want to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly. If you decide to consume alcohol, please, designate a sober driver, call a cab, or ride-share service. It is never a good idea to get behind the wheel while under the influence.”
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For HCSO alone, the operation resulted in a total of the following:
- Traffic Stops- 268
- Citations- 21
- Warnings- 253
- DUI Arrests- 40
- DUI Hospital Cases- 2
During the operation, two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detention deputies were arrested for DUI. Although, one of these arrests took place in Pinellas County.
According to investigators, on Saturday just before 3 a.m., Deputy Brian Nguyen, while driving northbound on I-275, was stopped by the Florida Highway Patrol and arrested for driving under the influence.
Nguyen was assigned to the Department of Detention Services and is currently suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.
“Every member of teamHCSO is charged with ensuring the safety and welfare of our community,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thankfully no one was injured in this situation, but this deputy’s reckless decision is inexcusable.”
On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Deputy Nathan Weaver was arrested by the Clearwater Police Department for driving under the influence.
Weaver was assigned to the Department of Detention Services and is currently suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.
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