Hillsborough deputy ejected from vehicle in rollover crash caused by impaired driver: HCSO

RUSKIN, Fla. (CBS12) — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputy is recovering in the hospital following a serious rollover crash caused by an impaired driver.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that impaired drivers pose to our community. It is deeply disappointing that someone would make the reckless decision to drive while impaired, endangering not only their own life but the lives of all other road users,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

According to HCSO, the accident occurred Saturday evening around 10:30 p.m. in Ruskin.

According to authorities, Deputy Ivan Clark, 47, was responding to a 911 call about a reckless driver near East College Avenue when the accident occurred.

Clark was driving an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe west on East College Avenue when 25-year-old Uriel Garcia Nestor crossed into the westbound lanes and collided with Deputy Clark's vehicle on the passenger side.

The impact caused the officer's car to roll over several times, causing him to be thrown out of the vehicle.

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The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) arrived at the scene and investigated the accident.

During the investigation, it was reported that Nestor showed signs of impairment and a DUI test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.103 and 0.121 respectively.

Deputy Clark was flown by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital and is currently in stable condition.

Nestor is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily harm, driving under the influence of alcohol causing property damage and driving while disqualified causing serious bodily harm.

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