Florida deputies arrested Bryce Swanson, 28, after a traffic stop in Tampa allegedly led to the discovery of 12 fraudulent identification cards bearing her photograph. Authorities said Swanson initially provided a different name and gave conflicting information about her identity and driver’s license. The July 29 body camera footage was released by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Swanson was later booked on charges including driving without a valid license and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer.
Authorities also identified Swanson as a Canadian national who allegedly overstayed her visa. She remains held without bond because of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer, according to jail records.
| 1) | Traffic stop begins over faulty vehicle lights |
| 2) | Driver allegedly gives deputies a false identity |
| 3) | Search reportedly finds 12 identification cards |
| 4) | Charges and immigration detention follow arrest |
| 5) | Body camera footage documents the encounter |
Traffic stop begins over faulty vehicle lights
The incident began on July 29 in Tampa, Florida, when Hillsborough County deputies stopped a vehicle whose taillights and tag lights were not working. Swanson was driving a rental vehicle, according to the account released by authorities. The stop initially concerned the vehicle’s lighting equipment rather than an identification investigation.
During the encounter, deputies asked the driver to identify herself and explain her circumstances. The traffic stop became more serious as officers questioned information she provided and considered whether she was legally licensed to drive.
Driver allegedly gives deputies a false identity
Authorities said Swanson initially identified herself as “Brianna Valenzuela.” She reportedly told deputies that she had a driver’s license but did not have it with her. She also said she lived in New York and was visiting Florida to see friends.
The deputy questioned why she had no New York identification if she lived there. Swanson then allegedly changed her account, telling deputies that she did not have identification and had never possessed a valid driver’s license.
“Your story’s not making a lot of sense to me, right? You say you live in New York, but you don’t have any ID in New York.”
The conflicting statements prompted further questioning about her identity and driving status.
Search reportedly finds 12 identification cards
Deputies searched the vehicle after the discussion about Swanson’s identity and license. Investigators said they found 12 driver’s licenses displaying Swanson’s photograph but different names and dates of birth.
Authorities described the documents as fraudulent identification cards. The body camera recording shows a deputy examining the materials and saying that they were fake before Swanson was placed under arrest. The account does not establish who produced the cards or how they were obtained.
“A search of her vehicle revealed 12 driver’s licenses with her picture, but different names and dates of birth.”
Charges and immigration detention follow arrest
Bryce Swanson was booked into the Orient Road Jail after the traffic stop. The listed charges were driving without a valid driver’s license and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer.
Authorities said Swanson is a Canadian national who overstayed her visa. Jail records show that she is being held without bond because of an ICE detainer. An immigration detainer is a request from federal immigration authorities for a local facility to maintain custody of a person for a specified period so immigration officials can take action.
The available account describes allegations and booking information. It does not indicate the outcome of the criminal case or any final immigration proceeding.
Body camera footage documents the encounter
The released body camera video records the exchange between deputies and Swanson from the traffic stop through the discovery of the identification cards. Sheriff Chad Chronister released the footage while describing the investigation publicly.
The recording provides a visual account of the questions asked during the stop, the driver’s changing responses and the subsequent vehicle search. It also shows the point at which deputies moved from investigating traffic and licensing issues to making an arrest.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The stop occurred in Tampa on July 29 because the vehicle’s taillights and tag lights were not working. |
| 2 | Authorities said Swanson initially used the name Brianna Valenzuela and later said she had never held a valid driver’s license. |
| 3 | Investigators reported finding 12 licenses with Swanson’s photograph and different names and birth dates. |
| 4 | She faces charges related to driving without a valid license and allegedly giving a false name. |
| 5 | She is being held without bond under an ICE detainer, according to jail records. |
Summary
A routine Tampa traffic stop developed into an identity investigation after deputies said the driver gave a false name and conflicting statements about her license. Authorities reported finding 12 allegedly fraudulent identification cards with the same photograph but different personal details. Swanson faces state charges and remains in custody under an immigration detainer, while the criminal and immigration matters remain unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the vehicle stopped?
Deputies stopped the vehicle in Tampa because its taillights and tag lights were not working.
What did investigators allegedly find?
Investigators said they found 12 driver’s licenses bearing Swanson’s photograph but different names and dates of birth.
Why is Swanson being held without bond?
Jail records state that she is being held without bond because of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
