A Tampa police sergeant is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car while directing traffic outside Raymond James Stadium earlier yesterday, shortly after a packed Zach Bryan concert. Police said the veteran officer suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is stable and in good spirits.
Officer Hit While Working Post-Concert Traffic
According to Tampa police, the sergeant was wearing a reflective traffic vest and had stepped into the roadway to direct vehicles on West Martin Luther King Drive eastbound when he was struck. Investigators said a Chrysler Crossfire moved from the center lane into the outside lane and failed to stop, hitting the officer.
The car was driven by a 44-year-old man, who police said stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. He was cited for careless driving causing serious bodily injury. Speed and impairment are not believed to have played a role in the crash, and the sergeant was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to WTSP.
Crash Follows Packed Zach Bryan Stadium Show
The incident unfolded just after thousands of fans poured out of Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night, where Zach Bryan was in town for his With Heaven On Tour stop. Venue listings and ticketing information show Bryan performed at the stadium on Saturday, according to Raymond James Stadium.
Chief Calls It a Stark Reminder
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw called the crash “a stark reminder” of the risks officers face while managing traffic and crowds around large events. He said the department is rallying around the injured sergeant as he recovers.
The chief’s comments and the department’s initial account of what happened were released as investigators continued to analyze the circumstances of the crash, according to WTSP.
What the Careless Driving Citation Carries
Police cited the driver for careless driving causing serious bodily injury, a civil infraction that can trigger extra legal steps when someone is badly hurt. Under Florida law, anyone cited for a traffic infraction that results in serious bodily injury must appear before a designated official, rather than simply paying a ticket by mail.
If that official finds the infraction occurred, penalties can include civil fines as well as a possible driver’s license suspension, according to Florida law.
The Tampa Police Department said its crash investigation remains active and that the driver continued to cooperate with investigators. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is urged to contact the department’s non-emergency line.
