TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has released new body-worn camera footage shedding light on an incident involving claims of excessive force made by a pregnant woman.
On the evening of July 25, 2025, around 10 p.m., Deputy Alex Almaguer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and Maydell Drive. The stop was initiated for Saher Zikry, 24, who was allegedly found speeding.
In the footage, while Deputy Almaguer received Zikry’s vehicle information, he heads to his patrol vehicle and reviews Zikry’s documentation.
During the traffic stop, six minutes in, Deputy Almaguer noticed a woman approaching Zikry. Upon inquiry, the woman identified herself as Zikry’s sister.
This woman is later confirmed to be Sandra Zikry, 28.
Almaguer then asked Zikry to walk away from the active traffic stop and she then refused by asking why and stating “I ain’t gonna do sh–.”
After multiple warnings from Almaguer, Zikry does not walk away, and her husband also appears and ignored Almaguer’s commands to back up as well.
Her husband shouted expletives at Almaguer and told him, “You’re lucky I don’t have a gun in my hand.”
Almaguer proceeded to handcuff Zikry and pulled out a taser, pointed it at her husband and called again for him to back up and walk away.
The two did not comply.
While Zikry was handcuffed, she did inform Almaguer she was pregnant and that her 8-year-old son was in the car.
According to Florida Law, individuals are to be 25 feet away from first responders who are conducting official duties.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, a press conference was held at Ybor Centennial Park, during which multiple activist groups joined Zikry, her brother, and various family members.
“If Deputy Almaguer is not immediately removed from the force, we fear the situation could escalate into another George Floyd incident,” stated Pastor Carlos Soto, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Restoration Inc.
“The mistreatment experienced by Sandra and her family should not happen to anyone, especially not a pregnant woman who is innocent,” expressed Yun Qing of the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee.
According to Zikry, she was within 25 feet of Almaguer during the stop and added during her arrest, she experienced trauma.
“When they grabbed me, they threw me in the car, I blacked out for a second, hit my head. I still have dizziness,” Sandra Zikry explained. “I sustained wrist injuries, you know, there was bruising and whatnot, but obviously I’m having a panic attack. I’m scared.”
News Channel 8 asked Zikry and her husband about the expletives made against Almaguer during their encounter but was interrupted by Sandra’s civil attorney who advised the couple not to answer since they had pending criminal charges.
Ahead of the press conference, Hillsborough County Sheriff officials released the body-worn camera footage and provided the following statement:
We are aware of this group’s claims regarding the recent arrests. A careful review of the video and factual evidence clearly shows that our deputy acted lawfully and professionally.
During the incident, our deputy issued multiple lawful commands, which were repeatedly ignored.
In response, the deputy drew his Taser to gain compliance while awaiting backup.
The male individual then made aggressive movements and statements toward the Deputy, including “You’re lucky I don’t have a gun in my hand.”
Throughout the encounter, the deputy maintained composure and control, ensuring the safety of everyone present.
Notably, the original subject of the traffic stop can be heard pleading with his relatives to calm down and return to their vehicle, which they also ignored.
The Florida legislature passed a law to ensure a law enforcement officer’s safety in dynamic encounters like this one. The law requires individuals to be 25 feet away from a law enforcement officer during an active enforcement encounter, after a verbal warning. This law is particularly important in situations like this one, where multiple bystanders are ignoring repeated commands from a lone deputy managing the scene.
Per the camera footage and confirmation from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Almaguer did not tase anyone on the evening of July 25, 2025.
Documents from the HCSO show charges issued that evening include child abuse, obstructing a first responder and misuse of the 911 wireless system.
Zikry did confirm to deputies her 8-year-old son was in her car during the incident.
Zikry also called 911 while she was under arrest in the back of the patrol vehicle.
