TAMPA, Fla. — A deputy was seriously injured after a suspect ran him over early Friday morning. He has since been released from the hospital, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
"Deputy Hall's anticipated full recovery brings immense relief to all of us," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "His dedication to Hillsborough County is immeasurable, from his outstanding contributions within the HCSO K9 unit to his vigilant efforts in DUI operations. He embodies our commitment to keeping the community safe."
HCSO said around 12:05 a.m., Deputy Kalin Hall, 33, attempted to make a traffic stop on a black BMW on Bearss Avenue near Nebraska Avenue. The suspect then fled the traffic stop.
Around 12:25 a.m., Hall attempted a second traffic stop at Plantation Oaks Drive. HCSO said when Hall exited his vehicle, the suspect rammed him, which resulted in a fractured leg.
"It was an opportunity that presented itself for me to try to block the car in," Hall said. "I expected the driver to flee on foot, was not expecting the car to be accelerating and driving around the backside of the car until it was too late. So I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but very blessed."
Hall was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he had to have reconstructive surgery with a rod in his leg.
HCSO said he was released from the hospital on Saturday, and he was able to walk out with a walker.
Hall has been with HCSO for 11 years.
Detectives said they located the suspect's abandoned vehicle, which was around a mile away from the second stop, and identified its owner. They are interviewing the owner but do not have a suspect in custody yet.
"Thankful for the man above to keep me alive," Hall said. "Pretty serious injury, but we'll recover, we'll be back at it."
Anyone with information about the incident should contact team HCSO at 813-247-8200.
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