LISTEN to an interview with State Attorney Andrew Warren AT THIS LINK:
TAMPA -- The man accused in the death of a Hillsborough sheriff's deputy just hours before his retirement will face charges of first degree, premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, and more.
Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren's office says that's one of nine felony charges filed against Travis Garrett, who had a status hearing Friday afternoon.
Warren described Garrett's actions as "a deliberate attack on law enforcement; he targeted a cop. " Warren says detectives are focused despite their loss, and working with prosecutors to build the strongest possible case." First degree premeditated murder is a capital felony, meaning the death penalty is a possibility.
The state attorney will ask a judge to hold Garrett without bond, in a detention hearing set for Monday.
Deputies say Garrett got in his car and drove off after punching a deputy in the head. Two deputies were investigating reports that Garrett was creating a disturbance at his apartment. According to the Hillsborough sheriff, Garrett then rammed the patrol car being driven by 54-year-old Master Corporal Brian LaVigne, killing him (LaVigne was posthumously promoted to Sergeant).
These are the other charges facing Garrett:
- Fleeing to Elude (at High Speed Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death) – 1st degree felony
- Vehicular Homicide – 2nd degree felony
- DUI Manslaughter – 2nd degree felony
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer – 2 Counts – 3rd degree felony
- Resisting Officer with Violence – 2 Counts – 3rd degree felony
- Criminal Mischief (with $1,000 or More in Damage) – 3rd degree felony
Garrett has been hospitalized since the crash and is not expected to appear in person for court proceedings.
Photo: HCSO