Crime

Homestead cop gets probation for charges linked to DUI hit-and-run crash

Homestead Police Officer Henry Quintero appears in court on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he pleads guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash that injured two women.
Homestead Police Officer Henry Quintero appears in court on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he pleads guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash that injured two women. Courtesy of WTVJ-NBC 6

A Homestead police officer was sentenced to probation after he pleaded guilty on Friday morning to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash that injured two women in south Miami-Dade.

Henry Quintero, 44, pleaded guilty to DUI, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, which are all misdemeanors. In exchange for Quintero’s plea, prosecutors dropped a felony charge: leaving the scene with no serious injury.

Quintero was ordered to complete two years of probation. Aside from attending several classes and programs, Quintero must also serve 100 hours of community service and pay $15,000 in restitution as well as a $1,000 fine.

As a result of the plea agreement, Quintero’s license will be suspended for a year, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson said. The cop, who was fingerprinted after taking the deal, had a stern expression throughout the brief hearing.

The crash occurred on Sept. 2, 2025, when Quintero sped down West Palm Drive in Florida City, according to his arrest report. His vehicle slammed into another car, causing it to flip over and injure the two women inside.

Quintero, however, fled the scene. A witness who saw the crash tailed Quintero until he stopped — and then contacted police, according to the report.

When officers encountered Quintero, they smelled alcohol emanating from him, the report says. He also appeared to have bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Quintero refused sobriety testing at the scene.

Homestead Police Officer Henry Quintero appears in court on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he pleads guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash that injured two women.
Homestead Police Officer Henry Quintero appears in court on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he pleads guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash that injured two women. Courtesy of WTVJ-NBC 6

Quintero told police the crash was not his fault, and that he was cut off. He also said he left because he “had somewhere to go,” according to the report.

When Quintero was taken to Jackson West Medical Center, he refused treatment and blood testing, the report says.

At the time of Quintero’s arrest, the Homestead Police Department told reporters Quintero was relieved of duty without pay pending the outcome of his trial. The Miami Herald asked the department about Quintero’s employment status but has yet to receive a response.

This report might be updated.

Grethel Aguila
Miami Herald
Grethel covers courts and the criminal justice system for the Miami Herald. She graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), speaks Spanish and Arabic and loves animals, traveling, basketball and good storytelling. Grethel also attends law school part time.
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