The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint-agency enforcement operation to remove impaired drivers from roads and waterways this 4th of July weekend.
In partnership with the Tampa Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and the USF Police Department, HCSO intensified DUI enforcement to keep our community safe.
These proactive patrols throughout Hillsborough County identified and removed many impaired drivers before they could cause harm.
"Every impaired driver we took off the road this weekend was at least one life potentially saved," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This joint operation with our local law enforcement partners should be a warning that the impaired operation of any vehicle or vessel, on land or water, will not be tolerated in Hillsborough County."
HCSO's DUI Operation Results:
- Traffic Stops: 263
- Warnings: 235
- Traffic Citations: 28
- DUI Arrests: 37
- Other Arrests: 0
- Vessel Stops: 74
- BUI Arrests: 0
Among the 37 DUI arrests made during the operation, one traffic stop involved a driver who crashed into an HCSO patrol vehicle.
On July 6, 2026, just before 4 a.m., a HCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop near North Dale Mabry Highway and Medical Drive after observing a vehicle traveling without its headlights on.
As the vehicle came to a stop, the deputy observed the driver, Keinier Contreras Villa, 28, and the passenger, Antonia Evangelista, 55, switching seats inside the vehicle.
During the exchange, the Nissan Rogue rolled into the deputy's patrol vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Following the investigation, Contreras Villa was arrested and is facing the following charges:
- No Valid Driver's License
- Possession of Cocaine
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
- Driving Under the Influence.
Evangelista was also arrested and is facing the following charge:
- Driving Under the Influence Second Conviction
- Refusal to Submit to Testing
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office remains committed to year-round DUI enforcement and encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly. Always plan ahead, use a designated driver, or arrange a safe ride home.
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