In approximately 72 hours, two different police cruisers were struck by drivers who either fell asleep behind the wheel or decided to “spice” things up with some booze. Nothing that some handcuffs couldn’t fix.
According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), the incidents occurred between July 22 and July 25, 2026. In both instances, the police pointed the finger at two drivers who “never should have been behind the wheel.”
While presented in reverse chronological order, the first incident took place on Wednesday, July 22. At around 1:30 a.m., a TPD officer was patrolling a local neighborhood when he came across an unusual albeit dangerous sight.
One driver behind the wheel of a sedan was traveling the wrong way. Worst of all, she was driving directly at the cruiser, which managed to avoid a very serious crash by veering slightly to the right.
Crash and Drunk Admission
The police car began following the driver through the neighborhood. Footage attached above revealed that the driver entered a driveway, perhaps in an attempt to turn back and stop traveling the wrong way.
However, as she began to reverse, it appeared as if the driver hadn’t noticed the patrol unit on the street. As a result, the sedan hit the patrol unit, even though the officer told her to “Watch out!” multiple times.
The officer exited his patrol unit and ordered the woman to get on the ground. She complied, but she could be heard slurring her words in the released bodycam footage. Then, she made a straightforward admission.
“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know what the [expletive] is going on. I’m drunk as [expletive],” the tearful woman said. Then, with a bit of laughter, she added, “I probably [expletive] up my life with this [expletive].”
Sleeping Driver
Three days later, on Saturday, July 25, a much scarier incident followed. At around 5:25 a.m., a different police officer, parked, was checking his cruiser’s driver’s seat.
All of a sudden, some incoming tire screeching could be heard in the released footage. Then, a collision took place. A vehicle had struck multiple police vehicles.
Thankfully, the officer managed to run away from the crash, avoiding certain injury. He called an ambulance immediately and reported what had occurred.
The driver, who exited his own vehicle, began talking with the officer. He admitted that he had fallen asleep while behind the wheel, “probably less than 5 seconds.” The video cut before the man was placed in handcuffs.
No Injuries, Accountability
In both incidents, no one involved was injured. The TPD took the opportunity to point out how its officers put themselves in danger every time they go out to make sure the roads are safe.
The police department also called out those who are not supposed to be driving, such as the individuals described above.
“Your choices behind the wheel affect more than just you. Make the decision that gets everyone home safely,” the TPD said.