A Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested on the morning of May 11, 2026 and charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
Deputy Lars Kirkegard was involved in a minor traffic crash at the intersection of Sebring Parkway and Kenilworth Boulevard in Sebring shortly after 7 a.m. Kirkegard then drove away from the scene. Nobody was injured in the crash.
At the request of the HCSO, the Florida Highway Patrol investigated the incident and arrested Kirkegard around 10 a.m.
Kirkegard, who has worked for the HCSO since 2007, has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation and an internal investigation into the incident.
“The citizens of Highlands County expect a high standard of professionalism and accountability from every member of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, and when one of our people fails to meet those standards, it is very disappointing,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “I want to thank the Florida Highway Patrol for quickly responding and investigating this incident, and we will fully cooperate with their investigation.”
Note: Not all arrests result in convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
*information provided by Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
