Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution, working with the State Attorney’s Office for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, will prosecute an undocumented immigrant accused of attacking a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and resisting arrest with violence. The incident happened during a traffic stop in Hillsborough County.
According to officials, on October 20, 2025, a state trooper stopped a vehicle on State Road 579 due to an improperly displayed tag. During the stop, it was discovered that both the driver and passenger had entered the United States illegally. The trooper attempted to detain Leonardo Gomez Hernandez, a 40-year-old Mexican national, under the federal-state partnership known as the 287(g) program. Authorities allege that Gomez Hernandez resisted arrest and tried to flee when the officer used his taser. During the struggle, he reportedly choked and punched the trooper.
Attorney General Uthmeier stated: “Florida will not tolerate violent criminals—especially those who shouldn’t even be in our country—attacking our law enforcement officers. Our troopers risk their lives to keep this state safe, and those who think they can assault a Florida officer will face the full weight of the law.”
FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner commented: “A State Trooper was attacked while enforcing state and federal immigration law. He was serving and protecting our community. An attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our community. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida stands firm in defending the men and women who serve and protect our communities. We will continue to work with Attorney General Uthmeier and our partners to ensure violent criminals are brought to justice. We remain committed to our public safety and immigration enforcement mission.”
FHP Colonel Gary Howze added: “Every day, Florida’s troopers face dangers serving the residents and visitors of Florida. This incident is a reminder of the courage and dedicated professionalism your troopers display when confronting violent offenders. I’m proud of this trooper’s actions and commitment to duty. We are grateful for our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners who ensure accountability for those choosing criminality over peace.”
Backup officers detained Gomez Hernandez at the scene. He faces charges of Resisting an Officer with Violence and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer; both are second-degree felonies due to his undocumented status, each carrying up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Gomez Hernandez remains held without bond in Hillsborough County Jail.
Deputy Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Cristina Castillo and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Eric Ross are handling the case after being cross sworn by Suzy Lopez, State Attorney for Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
