According to authorities, a naked madman who killed a veteran deputy who was just hours away from retirement by purposefully crashing his car into a police cruiser will serve more than 40 years in prison.
According to the 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Travis Garrett, 32, was sentenced on Tuesday to 45 years in prison for the death of Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Brian LaVigne on January 11, 2021, when he struck the driver’s side of the patrol car at high speed while evading capture.
After more than 30 years on the force, LaVigne, 54, was just one shift away from retiring, according to police. He was characterized as a dedicated husband, father, and public servant.
“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 stated.
“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 added.
“His life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
When residents of Brandon’s Paddock Club Apartments claimed that Garrett was flinging furniture out of his apartment’s front door and window, the sheriff’s office first arrived on the scene.
According to law enforcement, deputies decided there was no reason to arrest the individual and departed.
When a neighbor complained that Garrett was naked and “acting erratically,” deputies returned to the complex hours later, according to officials.
The whacko reportedly grew aggressive and repeatedly hit a responding officer in the head.
After being repeatedly stunned by a taser, Garrett got into his car and drove off, finally crashing through the gated entrance of the apartment before purposefully speeding up on Lumsden Road and colliding with LaVigne’s parked squad car at about 76 mph, according to deputies.
Before the fatal incident, a deputy reportedly said to LaVigne over a police radio, “He’s aiming for your car.”
Police: Man Fatally Abuses Girlfriend’s 2-Year-Old While She Shops for Groceries
“Get out of the way! Get out of the way!”
Trapped inside the vehicle, LaVigne was transferred to a nearby hospital and declared dead. According to authorities, he received a posthumous promotion from master corporal to sergeant.
Garrett became paralyzed after the fatal collision.
During sentence, LaVigne’s wife informed the judge that Garrett had snatched away the years she had left with her husband.
His daughter, who works as a deputy in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, claimed she lost her greatest friend, mentor, and hero.
Family members claimed that in order to escape a torturous trial, they accepted the plea agreement.
Garrett entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and criminal mischief while escaping to avoid high speed (severe bodily injury or death).
“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.
This Information has been sourced from NY Post.
Leave a Comment