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A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy is recovering in the hospital after being seriously injured in a rollover crash caused by an impaired driver in Ruskin late last night.
On September 14, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Deputy Ivan Clark, 47, was responding to a call regarding a reckless driver near East College Avenue in Ruskin. Deputy Clark was operating an unmarked 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and was traveling westbound on East College Avenue.
While crossing the intersection of 15th Street Southeast, a gray 2010 Ford F-150, driven by Uriel Garcia Nestor, 25, entered the westbound travel lanes from a stop sign and struck Deputy Clark’s vehicle on the passenger side. The impact caused the unmarked Tahoe to roll over several times, ejecting Deputy Clark from the vehicle.
Deputy Clark was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.
Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene and conducted a traffic crash investigation.
Uriel Garcia Nestor displayed signs of impairment, and a subsequent DUI investigation revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.103 and 0.121.
Garcia Nestor was arrested and charged with the following:
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury
- DUI with Property Damage
- Driving While License Suspended with Serious Bodily Injury
“Our thoughts are with Deputy Clark, his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers impaired drivers pose to our community. It is deeply disappointing that someone would make the reckless decision to drive impaired, not only endangering their own life but putting everyone else on the road at risk.”
For further updates or inquiries, please contact the Public Affairs Office.
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