A unadorned lunatic accused of deliberately ramming his automobile right into a police cruiser will spend greater than 4 a long time behind bars for killing a veteran deputy who was simply hours away from retiring, prosecutors stated.
Travis Garrett, 32, was handed the 45-year sentence Tuesday for killing Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Brian LaVigne when he crashed into the driving force’s facet of the patrol automobile at high-speed whereas on the run from authorities on Jan. 11, 2021, based on the thirteenth Judicial Circuit State Legal professional’s Workplace.
LaVigne, 54, who was described as a faithful husband, father and public servant, was only one shift away from retirement after greater than 30 years on the power, police stated.
“This senseless crime robbed a family of a tremendous father and husband who deserved a long and happy retirement with the family he built,” State Legal professional Suzy Lopez stated in a press release.
“While this sentence can never bring Sgt. LaVigne back, it ensures this defendant will spend the majority of his life behind bars while allowing the victim’s family a chance at healing without a lengthy trial. Sgt. LaVigne died a hero and selflessly served his community until his last day,” she continued
“His life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
The sheriff’s workplace initially responded to the Paddock Membership Residences in Brandon after residents complained that Garrett was throwing furnishings out of his house window and entrance door. Deputies decided there was no trigger to put the person below arrest and left, legislation enforcement stated.
Deputies returned to the complicated hours later when a neighbor reported that Garrett was bare and “acting erratically,” authorities stated, including that the whacko turned combative and repeatedly punched a responding officer within the head.
Garrett was surprised by a taser a number of occasions as he hopped into his automobile and sped away, finally crashing by means of the house’s gated entrance earlier than intentionally accelerating on Lumsden Street and ramming into LaVigne’s parked squad automobile at about 76 mph, deputies stated.
“He’s aiming for your car,” a deputy reportedly yelled to LaVigne over a police radio previous to the deadly collision.
“Get out of the way! Get out of the way!”
LaVigne, who was trapped contained in the automobile, was taken to an area hospital the place he was pronounced useless. He was posthumously promoted from grasp corporal to the rank of sergeant, police stated.
The lethal crash left Garrett paralyzed.
LaVigne’s spouse advised the courtroom at sentencing that Garrett ripped away the years she had left along with her husband. His daughter, additionally a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace deputy, stated she misplaced her mentor, hero and finest buddy.
Relations stated they agreed to the plea deal to keep away from a painful trial.
Garrett pleaded responsible to second-degree homicide, fleeing to elude excessive velocity (severe bodily damage or loss of life, battery on a legislation enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and legal mischief.
“While there is no sentence that can ever truly account for the extraordinary life Travis Garrett took, today’s sentencing delivers a measure of justice for Sgt. Brian LaVigne’s family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and every citizen whose life he touched,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister stated.
