Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run Case

A police car with lights flashing during a routine traffic stop, highlighting the need for driver awareness.

News Summary

Mackenzie Deaton, a 25-year-old Tampa resident, admitted guilt in a hit-and-run incident that injured a police officer, facing serious charges and legal consequences. The incident occurred during a traffic stop on January 6, 2024, emphasizing the significance of Florida’s Move Over Law designed to protect emergency responders.

Tampa Woman Admits Guilt in Hit-and-Run Case Involving Injured Officer

Mackenzie Deaton, a 25-year-old woman from Tampa, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run incident that resulted in serious injuries to a police officer. The pleas, entered on April 30, 2025, included charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and violating Florida’s Move Over Act.

Incident Overview

The critical incident occurred in the early hours of January 6, 2024, around 1 a.m. A St. Petersburg police officer was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 375 with his emergency lights activated when the collision took place. As the officer exited his vehicle, a white Kia sedan, driven by Deaton, struck the police cruiser, resulting in injuries to the officer. Following the collision, Deaton fled the scene without stopping to provide assistance.

Investigation and Charges

Following the incident, law enforcement officials launched an investigation and eventually identified Mackenzie Deaton as the driver involved in the hit-and-run. In addition to the charges related to the injuries sustained by the police officer, Deaton also faced allegations of tampering with evidence. Authorities cited her for failing to comply with the Move Over Law, which mandates that drivers either change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching emergency vehicles, disabled vehicles, or utility personnel.

Understanding the Move Over Law

Florida’s Move Over Law is designed to promote the safety of emergency responders, utility workers, and others who are operating on the side of the road. It requires motorists to either move to a lane away from these vehicles or reduce their speed to ensure safe passage without endangering those present on the roadside. The law has been implemented in multiple states across the U.S. in response to the increasing number of accidents involving emergency situations.

Legal Consequences

As a result of her guilty pleas, Deaton faces significant legal consequences that may include fines, license suspension, and potential incarceration. The hit-and-run and failure to comply with the Move Over Law are serious offenses in Florida, emphasizing the importance of road safety, especially in situations involving emergency responders.

Impact on the Officer

While specific details regarding the injuries sustained by the police officer have not been disclosed, the incident underscores the risks that law enforcement officials face while performing their duties. The officer was involved in a routine traffic stop when the collision occurred, highlighting the unpredictable nature of encounters on the roadway.

Conclusion

The case involving Mackenzie Deaton serves as a reminder of the responsibilities drivers have toward emergency vehicles on the road. By pleading guilty, Deaton acknowledges her role in the crash and its consequences, both for herself and for the injured officer. The legal proceedings that follow her guilty pleas will further determine the repercussions she will face for her actions.