PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to fallen Deputy Michael J. Magli three years ago today after heroic actions stopped a drunk driver.
“Some will say that Michael was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I say nonsense. Deputy Michael J. Magli was in the right place at the right time doing what cops do every day throughout this country protecting others even if it means grave personal danger to themselves,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
On February 17, 2021, at about 4:25 p.m., deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau were dispatched to the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road in Tarpon Springs.
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33-year-old Robert Allen Holzaepfel was passed out behind the wheel at the red light. Rescue crews were first on the scene and broke out a window to assess the mean.
Holzaepfel woke up and fled the scene, traveling Northbound on East Lake Road. He drove recklessly, traveling Eastbound on Keystone Road and evading deputies.
Holzaepfel made a U-turn, driving over a curb and returning to East Lake Road, where he stopped at the red light. Deputies attempted a traffic stop. However, he fled southbound on East Lake Road.
According to investigators, Deputy Magli was traveling Northbound on East Lake Road and stopped in the median to deploy a tire deflation device (Stop Sticks).
Deputy Magli was standing outside his vehicle when Holzaepfel entered the median, lost control of his truck, and collided with Deputy Magli.
Deputy Magli was pinned under his patrol vehicle and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
“It’s been three years since we lost Deputy Magli. His family will always have a place in our hearts, and each year on this day, we will honor his sacrifice,” said PCSO in a social post.
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