A man faces several charges, including first-degree murder, in the death of a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy Monday night before his last shift heading into retirement.
Sheriff Chad Chronister says 28-year-old Travis Garrett was trying to escape from deputies when he crashed a car into 54-year-old Corporal Brian LaVigne's squad car on the driver's side last night.
Chronister says authorities were responding to calls about erratic behavior at an apartment complex in Brandon on Monday afternoon when Garrett attacked them.
Garrett fled the scene and intentionally rammed into LaVigne’s marked squad car on Lumsden Road, according to a news release.
LaVigne, who was set to retire this week after 30 years of service, was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
"This is one of the most difficult times we have faced as a Sheriff's Office, losing one of our family members to such a senseless act of violence," Chronister said in a news release. "We continue to mourn this loss with both the LaVigne family, our Sheriff's Office family, and our community.”
LaVigne is survived by a wife and two daughters -- including one who is also a Hillsborough County deputy.
Garrett faces nine counts, including felony first-degree murder, DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
