TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department fired an officer who they claim abused his authority when he threatened to detain the man towing his car from his apartment complex.
According to an internal review, John Holmstrom, who had been working with Tampa Police since July 2022, was on duty on Aug. 30 when he learned that his personal car was towed from his apartment complex.
The TPD claims that when Holmstrom called the tow truck company, he told the employee that he was a police officer and tried to use his authority to try to solve the problem favorably. A review found he also threatened to detain the
employee.
Tampa police determined Holmstrom violated department policies related to misusing authority, operating police
cars in an emergency, and personnel management.
"It is unacceptable that an officer would use their position or badge to settle a personal matter," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. "Tampa Police Officers are held to the highest standard of professionalism and this officer's actions are
not a representation of the hard work and dedication of the nearly 1,000 sworn officers serving this community every day."