Hillsborough County Sheriff's office successfully apprehended a suspect after a deputy was severely injured. Identified as 24-year-old William Lewis Jr., the man is accused of ramming into deputy Kalin Hall, who was conducting a traffic stop as part of an impaired driver operation on the Fourth of July. WTSP reports that Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the arrest during a news conference, condemning the disregard for human life.
Facing charges including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, William Lewis Jr. is now behind bars. During the investigation, detectives talked to the suspect, who would not admit to his actions. Chronister expressed his frustration stating, "He showed zero remorse, only denial," while addressing the apprehension of the suspect. Working with diligence, law enforcement located Lewis and an accomplice, described as a friend named Zachary Carnegie, 24, attempting to flee in a rental vehicle. A subsequent maneuver by deputies blocked them in a shopping center, where they were taken into custody, as disclosed by a report from WFLA.
Carnegie, who was out on bond with a historical laundry list of charges including attempted murder, was arrested alongside Lewis. Further investigations revealed involvement from Lewis's girlfriend, who was implicated for tampering with evidence and aiding the pair in their criminal activities. In a grim view toward the revelation, Sheriff Chronister relayed, "Instead of doing the right thing, Garrison made the conscious decision to conceal Lewis’ involvement. This choice to protect a criminal rather than uphold justice is not only deceitful but also deeply disappointing" as reported by FOX 13 News. She is now facing charges for her actions.
Sheriff Chronister emphasized the department's commitment to justice, indicating that this arrest might not be the last in the case. "We couldn’t sit idly by knowing this suspect seriously injured our deputy and then fled without any care or regard for another human’s life. This arrest serves as a testament to our team’s commitment to justice and our community’s safety" Chronister shared with WFLA. The sheriff's office vows to continue their tireless work to ensure community safety in the wake of these events.
