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HCSO Deputy Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 26-96
Date
Location

A Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy was arrested for driving under the influence.

 

On May 30, 2026, at 11:34 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop near Gunn Highway and Normandie Road in Citrus Park. Deputies saw signs of impairment from the driver, Richard Michael Garcia, 32. Garcia refused to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises or give a breath sample. 

 

Garcia was arrested and charged with:

  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Refusal to Submit to Testing 

 

Garcia has been employed with the HCSO since November 2020 and is assigned to the District I Street Crimes Unit. 

 

He is currently on administrative leave without pay pending the results of an internal affairs investigation. 

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