Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli / Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office / End of Watch: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli was struck and killed by a drunk driver who fled at a high rate of speed after a sheriff’s sergeant attempted to stop him.
Deputies and rescue personal had responded to reports of a subject passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle at the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road. The man was unresponsive so paramedics broke the vehicle’s window. The man suddenly awoke and accelerated at a high rate of speed. When the sergeant attempted to stop him the man fled again, driving recklessly, and crossing over the median into oncoming traffic.
Deputy Magli was preparing to deploy spike strips when the driver lost control, overturned, and struck Deputy Magli. He was pinned under his patrol car and succumbed to his injuries.
The driver, who had 16 felony convictions and was out on parole, was arrested in connection with this incident.
Deputy Magli is survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents.
