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Former Lake County deputy crashed patrol car while watching porn on phone, investigators say

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Published  January 10, 2025 11:37pm EST
Lake County
FOX 35 Orlando

Florida deputy accused of watching porn during crash

A Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy is accused of watching pornography on his phone when he slammed into the back of another car.

The Brief

    • Former Lake County deputy Tristan Macomber resigned after crashing his cruiser while distracted by porn on his phone, initially blaming brake failure.
    • Body-worn camera footage showed Macomber unbuckled and retrieving his phone after the crash, violating professional practices.
    • The sheriff’s office covered the damages for the other driver, while Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate potential charges.

TAVARES, Fla. - The Lake County Sheriff's Office says a former deputy resigned after he crashed his patrol car while watching pornography on his phone.

According to the sheriff's office, Tristan Macomber first told investigators that his brakes had locked up, which caused the crash. Later, they said, the truth came out.

Violation of professional practice

What we know:

Video from a body-worn camera showed the moment of impact, when deputies said Macomber crashed into the car in front of him. Deputies say Macomber's brakes never locked up, but rather, he was distracted by the video on his cellphone.

After climbing out of his cruiser, Macomber stopped to pick his phone up from the floor. As he did, it was clear that his seat belt wasn't buckled, either, according to investigators. Deputies also noted that it was a violation of professional practice.

After the crash, Macomber went to check on the other driver, who was stopped waiting for a school bus to pick up students. 

"Hello, ma'am. Are you okay?" he said, "I'm so sorry. My brakes locked up."

FOX 35 talked to the woman Macomber crashed into. She said she wasn't hurt and the sheriff's office paid to fix her car.

What's next:

The sheriff's office says the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is handling the crash investigation. They haven't replied yet to whether Macomber will be facing any charges in connection with the crash.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and the crash victim.

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