Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy dies when fleeing driver hits cruiser

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – A deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty when his cruiser was struck by a fleeing driver, WFLA reports.

The victim was Corporal Brian LaVigne, who had spent 30 years with the sheriff’s office. Officials said he had one more shift left before he was due to retire when the accident occurred on Monday.

It happened after the sheriff’s office had responded at about 3:45 p.m. to an incident at the Paddock Club Apartments, where a man was found to be acting erratically. The man, 28-year-old Travis Garrett, punched a deputy and could not be stopped with a taser, authorities said.

He got into a car and took off onto Lumsden Road in Brandon while fleeing from deputies. Authorities say Garrett was speeding when he crossed two lanes and intentionally struck LaVigne’s car on the driver’s side.

Emergency crews responded and transported LaVigne, age 54, to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Several charges are pending against Garrett, who was taken to the hospital after the crash.

When you have lost someone you love as the result of someone else’s recklessness or negligence, the Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Lawyers with Kemp Law Group can help you pursue your legal options and protect your future. We will work hard to recover damages such as lost wages of the deceased, lost companionship, medical or funeral expenses and other compensation depending on your situation during this difficult time. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 727-847-4878 so that we can discuss your individual case.