FL Deputy Killed Deploying Spike Strips During Pursuit
Deputy Michael Magli, 30, died after he was struck by a pickup truck that spun out in the median of a road in north Pinellas County. Magli had parked his patrol cruiser in the median of the road to retrieve and deploy spike strips.
Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Magli, 30, was killed Wednesday while trying to deploy spike strips. (Photo: Pinellas County SO)
A Pinellas County, FL, Sheriff’s deputy was killed Wednesday afternoon as he was trying to stop a drunken driver who was leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Deputy Michael Magli, 30, died after he was struck by a pickup truck that spun out in the median of East Lake Road near Forelock Road in north Pinellas County. Magli had parked his patrol cruiser in the median of the road to retrieve and deploy spike strips, when he was struck by the driver deputies were pursuing, Gualtieri said in a Wednesday evening news conference near the site of the crash.
Robert Allen Holzaepfel was arrested by deputies Wednesday night. Gualtieri said Holzaepfel, 33, was driving under the influence and on a suspended license at the time of the crash. He was also on probation and has 16 prior felony convictions, the sheriff said.
Pinellas County jail records show Holzaepfel faces charges of first degree felony murder, DUI manslaughter, driving without a valid license resulting in death and aggravated fleeing and eluding law enforcement, TampaBay.com reports.
More Patrol
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →