Hillsborough deputy recovering after serious crash

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Uriel Garcia Nestor, 25, made his first appearance in front of a Hillsborough County Judge on Monday after being accused of driving drunk and hitting the unmarked patrol vehicle of a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy.

The Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Ivan Clark was responding to a call regarding a reckless driver near East College Avenue in Ruskin on Saturday night.

As he crossed the intersection of 15th Street Southeast, his patrol vehicle was hit by a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by Garcia-Nestor.

The Sheriff’s office says the collision was so severe that Deputy Clark’s vehicle rolled several times and he was seriously injured.

Garcia-Nestor is now charged with DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI with property damage, and driving while license suspended with serious bodily injury.

As he appeared in court, an Assistant State Attorney informed the judge that Garcia-Nestor had been convicted just days ago, on September 10th of driving on a suspended license and he still does not have a license.

The Sheriff’s office says Deputy Clark is still in the hospital, recovering from his injuries, including a fractured back and injured knee.

Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement saying, “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 the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.