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Insets, from left: Sgt. Brian LaVigne (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office) and Travis Garrett (WTVT/YouTube). Background: Scene of the crash that killed LaVigne (WTVT/YouTube).
A Florida man who slammed into a soon-to-be retiring deputy while fleeing cops will spend decades behind bars.
Travis Garrett, 32, was sentenced to 45 years after admitting guilt to multiple charges, such as second-degree murder and fleeing at high speed while causing a fatality, according to the 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office on Tuesday. Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Brian LaVigne was just one shift away from retiring on Jan. 11, 2021, when Garrett collided with his patrol car, resulting in LaVigne’s death.
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Deputies had received a call to the Paddock Club Apartments in Brandon, which is about 11 miles east of Tampa, about a naked man running around and breaking glass in the complex. Deputies approached the man later identified as Garrett and tried to calm him down — but instead, he punched one of the cops in the head three times, a probable cause arrest affidavit said.
Garrett was unbothered when deputies tried to deploy a Taser on him. He hopped in his car and sped away, smashing through a gate at the apartment exit and onto the street. Cops gave chase.
LaVigne was not involved in the chase and was parked on the side of the road. When Garrett was about 100-150 yards away, he began driving directly at LaVigne.
“He’s aiming for your car,” a deputy exclaimed over the radio. “Get out of the way! Get out of the way!”
LaVigne tried to evade Garrett’s vehicle but it was too late. Garrett crashed into him. First responders rushed LaVigne to the hospital where he died. Garrett was paralyzed in the crash.
At Garrett’s sentencing, LaVigne’s family spoke of how his death has impacted them.
“His wife told the court that the defendant ripped away the years they had left together after he spent three decades serving and protecting his community,” the press release said. “His daughter, also a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy, says she lost her mentor, her hero, and her best friend.”
The deputy’s family members said they agreed to the plea deal to avoid a lengthy trial.
“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 Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a statement. “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. His life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said LaVigne’s impact on the community is still felt four years after his death.
“Sgt. LaVigne was a devoted husband, father, and public servant,” Chronister said. “His life was cut short while doing what he had done for 30 years, protecting this community with courage and compassion, and the pain of his loss is immeasurable.”
