A man in Florida, who was naked at the time, intentionally rammed his car into a police cruiser, resulting in the death of a veteran deputy who was about to retire. Travis Garrett, 32, received a 45-year prison sentence for causing the death of Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Brian LaVigne on January 11, 2021. LaVigne, 54, was just hours away from retiring after over 30 years of service when Garrett crashed into his patrol car at high speed while trying to escape from law enforcement.
The tragic incident occurred after deputies responded to reports of Garrett throwing furniture out of his apartment window. Despite no reason for arrest initially, deputies later returned when a neighbor reported Garrett behaving erratically while naked. An altercation ensued, leading Garrett to flee in his car and crash into LaVigne’s parked vehicle.
The court heard emotional statements from LaVigne’s family, expressing the loss and pain caused by Garrett’s actions. Garrett, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, accepted the plea deal to avoid a lengthy trial. The sentencing aims to provide justice for the fallen deputy and his grieving loved ones.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that the sentencing for the individual charged with the murder of Sgt. Brian LaVigne, a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and criminal mischief, provides a sense of justice for Sgt. LaVigne’s family, fellow officers, and all those impacted by his remarkable life.
