Naked man sentenced for killing sheriff’s office sergeant hours before his retirement

BRANDON, Fla. (TCN) -- A man will spend over four decades behind bars for causing the death of a 54-year-old law enforcement official in a vehicle crash more than three years ago.

According to a March 25 news release from the Florida State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit, Travis Garrett received a sentence of 45 years in Florida State Prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, fleeing to elude high speed (serious bodily injury or death), battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and criminal mischief.

On Jan. 11, 2021, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to call from neighbors, claiming Garrett "was naked and throwing furniture outside his apartment." Responding deputes tried to "establish a dialogue" with Garrett, but he became aggressive and hit one of the deputies multiple times. Another official tried to Tase the defendant, but his attempts were unsuccessful. Garrett reportedly drove off, fleeing from deputies, and crashed into the apartment building’s gates.

Investigators obtained dashboard camera footage from Garrett’s car, revealing that he drove down Lumsden Road and accelerated at a "high rate of speed" into Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brian LaVigne’s vehicle while he was at a stop sign. According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses said Garrett "intentionally rammed" into the victim. LaVigne was later pronounced deceased at a hospital, and Garrett was paralyzed from the crash.

LaVigne was reportedly hours from retirement when he died. His family members read impact statements, including his wife, who said Garrett "ripped away the years they had left together after he spent three decades serving and protecting his community."

The victim’s daughter, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy, reportedly said she "lost her mentor, her hero, and her best friend."

In a statement, State Attorney Suzy Lopez said, "This senseless crime robbed a family of a tremendous father and husband who deserved a long and happy retirement with the family he built. 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."

LaVigne leaves behind his wife and two adult children.

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