Three days after a Florida sheriff’s deputy was released from the hospital after being hit by a suspect’s vehicle, the sheriff’s office announced three arrests following an investigation.
“I am outraged that a human being would commit this type of violence against another human being in our great and special Tampa Bay community,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “I am truly outraged by the complete disregard for human life that this evil individual had.”
On the night of Independence Day, Deputy Karin Hall was working overtime to ensure roads were safe and free from drunk drivers, Chronister said. Around midnight on July 5, Deputy Hall attempted to stop a black BMW, but the suspect sped off at a high rate of speed, according to an HCSO press release. About 20 minutes later, Deputy Hall attempted a second stop, and the suspect exited the vehicle before “strike[ing]him and fleeing the scene.”
Detectives found the suspect’s vehicle abandoned approximately a mile from where the second attempted traffic stop was conducted and identified the driver as William Todd Lewis Jr., 24 years old.
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William Lewis Jr. arrest photo (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Police also arrested 24-year-old Zachary Carnegie, who is believed to have fled with Lewis in a rental car to evade arrest.
Carnegie was accused of possessing a bag of Xanax that did not belong to him.
Lewis’ girlfriend was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence. Lewis called her and told her what happened after he allegedly ran over Hall, police said.
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HCSO Deputy Karin Hall said from his hospital bed that he has received a lot of support since being struck by the suspect’s vehicle over the Independence Day holiday. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
Lewis is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury, reckless driving causing serious injury, aggravated flight to elude serious injury or death and fleeing a police officer, according to online jail records.
Chronister said he believes Lewis’ charge will be upgraded to attempted murder of a police officer and that he expects at least one more arrest to be made in the case. FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported.
“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I’m very lucky,” Hall, 33, said from his hospital bed. “I just thank God in heaven that he kept me alive. I’m pretty seriously hurt, but I’ll recover and get back to work.”
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Hall, who has been with HCSO for 11 years, said he underwent surgery on his broken leg and received more than 400 messages of support from family and friends who heard what happened.
“It’s been a difficult time, but it’s also been a blessing,” Hall said.
