Hillsborough Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Driving Under Influence

TAMPA, FL — A Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy is on administrative leave without pay pending the results of an internal investigation after he was arrested by Tampa police for drinking and driving.

On Thursday at 11:56 p.m., a Tampa police officer saw a vehicle speeding, weaving in and out of the road lane and hitting a curb, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said the police officer stopped the vehicle and determined that the driver, Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Attila Tapolyai, was impaired. Tapolyai was taken into custody and given a breathalyzer that showed he had a .177 blood-alcohol level. A person is considered legally intoxicated in Florida with a .08 blood-alcohol level.

"It's upsetting that one of our own deputies made the poor decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "He endangered his life, the lives of others, and betrayed the oath he made to serve and protect. He'll now face the consequences of his decision."

Tapolyai, 29, was booked into the Orient Jail and charged with driving under the influence. He has been employed with the sheriff's office for five years, and is assigned to the patrol department.