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Florida Deputy Kills Self Near Agency’s Headquarters

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said they are now conducting a death investigation at their headquarters in Sebring. Authorities identified the deputy as 56-year-old Paul Robitaille, a detention deputy.

by Staff
January 31, 2024
Florida Deputy Kills Self Near Agency’s Headquarters

Highland County (Florida) Sheriff's Deputy Paul Robitaille killed himself Wednesday, authorities say..

Credit:

Highland County SO


An on-duty Highlands County, Florida, deputy was found dead Wednesday morning after taking his own life near the sheriff's office's headquarters, officials said.

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The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said they are now conducting a death investigation at their headquarters in Sebring. Authorities identified the deputy as 56-year-old Paul Robitaille, a detention deputy who was assigned to the Highlands County courthouse, Fox 13 reports.

"Paul was a great employee with a great attitude," Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. "We are all shocked and heartbroken over this, and I ask that everyone keep his family, friends and our agency family in their prayers."

Shortly before 10 a.m., Robitaille asked his supervisor for a break, and security cameras showed him walking out of the courthouse and to a nearby parking lot.


Robitaille didn't give any indication that something was wrong, according to officials with HCSO. However, he was found dead from a self-inflicted wound near the northeast corner of the sheriff's office's headquarters, according to deputies. 

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