Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is expected to charge an illegal alien with battery on a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper (FHP) and resisting arrest with violence after an incident during a traffic stop in Hillsborough County, he announced.
“Florida will not tolerate violent criminals—especially those who shouldn’t even be in our country—attacking our law enforcement officers,” Uthmeier said in a release. “Our troopers risk their lives to keep this state safe, and those who think they can assault a Florida officer will face the full weight of the law.”
According to the release, the incident occurred between the FHP trooper and Leonardo Gomez Hernandez, 40, of Mexico, on Oct. 20 during a stop over an improperly displaced tag on State Road 579 in Hillsborough.
Soon after the stop, the trooper discovered that the driver of the vehicle and Gomez Hernandez were in the country illegally, leading to the attempted detainment of Gomez Hernandez under the state's 287 (g) program.
287(g) allows state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law in cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Gomez Hernandez, who entered the country at an unknown date and time, allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee the stop, prompting the trooper to deploy a taser. He also allegedly choked and punched the trooper during the altercation.
Backup troopers were called, and Gomez Hernandez was arrested at the scene.
“A State Trooper was attacked while enforcing state and federal immigration law. He was serving and protecting our community. An attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our community,” Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner said. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida stands firm in defending the men and women who serve and protect our communities. We will continue to work with Attorney General Uthmeier and our partners to ensure violent criminals are brought to justice. We remain committed to our public safety and immigration enforcement mission.”
Per the release, Gomez Hernandez will be charged with Resisting an Officer with Violence and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, which are both second-degree felonies, due to his illegal status in the country. If convicted, Gomez Hernandez could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
He is currently being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.
The Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit also assisted in the case, led by Deputy Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Cristina Castillo and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Eric Ross.
“Every day, Florida’s troopers face dangers serving the residents and visitors of Florida. This incident is a reminder of the courage and dedicated professionalism your troopers display when confronting violent offenders,” FHP Colonel Gary Howze said. “I’m proud of this trooper’s actions and commitment to duty. We are grateful for our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners who ensure accountability for those choosing criminality over peace.”
