A former deputy in Lake County, Florida, has stepped down from his position following a collision with a civilian vehicle. The incident occurred in early November 2024 on County Road 435, where the deputy was reportedly distracted by inappropriate content on his personal phone. An internal investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Deputy Tristan Macomber was not truthful about his actions leading up to the crash. The investigation uncovered significant policy violations, including dishonesty and misuse of an electronic device during work hours.

Inappropriate Content Leads to Vehicle Collision

The deputy's actions before the accident were under scrutiny as he was found to be viewing inappropriate material on his phone. The body-worn camera footage captured the moment of impact, showing the airbag deploying after the cruiser rear-ended another vehicle. Macomber initially claimed that his brakes had locked up while stopping for a school bus. However, the investigation later determined that he was looking at visual content unsuitable for work. This revelation led to further questions about his conduct and adherence to department policies.

The investigation delved deeper into Macomber’s actions and discovered multiple discrepancies in his statements. He first stated that he was scrolling through text messages in a group chat with other deputies but later admitted to viewing pornographic material. This admission highlighted a significant breach of trust and professionalism. The deputy’s behavior not only endangered himself but also put others at risk, leading to serious consequences for his career. The evidence clearly indicated that he was distracted by inappropriate content, which directly contributed to the collision.

Policy Violations and Subsequent Resignation

Macomber's resignation came as a result of the findings from the Internal Affairs investigation. The report concluded that he violated several departmental policies, including dishonesty, misuse of an electronic device, and possibly not wearing a seatbelt. These infractions underscored the severity of his actions and the importance of maintaining professional standards within law enforcement.

The investigation meticulously examined the events leading up to the crash, revealing that Macomber engaged in activities that were against departmental guidelines. His initial attempts to mislead investigators about his phone use further compounded the situation. The sheriff’s office took swift action, recognizing the need to uphold integrity and accountability. Ultimately, Macomber’s decision to resign reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the necessity for high ethical standards in public service roles. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and expectations placed upon law enforcement officers.