Deputy Sheriff Donta J. Manuel

Deputy Sheriff Donta J. Manuel | Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
Deputy Sheriff Donta J. Manuel

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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Donta J. Manuel

Deputy Sheriff Donta Manuel and Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Wallace were struck and killed by a patrol car while attempting to remove stop sticks from the roadway on State Road 715, near Lake Okeechobee.

A stolen vehicle that was being pursued by other deputies had just passed over the stop sticks and the two deputies ran into the road to remove them. It is believed that, because of the darkness, the deputies did not observe how fast the pursuing units were following behind the suspect vehicle. One of the pursuing patrol cars struck both deputies, killing them. The driver of that patrol car was seriously injured and flown to a local hospital.

One of the suspects in the stolen car was apprehended a short time later.

Deputy Manuel had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 13 years
  • Badge 5213

Incident Details

  • Cause Struck by vehicle

stolen vehicle, stop sticks, vehicle pursuit

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Donta, brother I miss you. You were an amazing mentor to me. I visit this page often but have not had the courage to write anything. You taught me so much in life. Not just about how to be a cop but how to be a man. You showed me it was ok to be a real person to the people we served in the community. To treat people fair, let them know you were there to serve. But also be the firm face of the law when they crossed that line. Respect is given, to be earned. I want you to know I continued those lessons you taught me well after this night. You have been a cornerstone of my career and my professional and personal life. I never got the chance to say it to your face. But, THANK YOU. Thank you for being who you are and taking the time to teach me the things you did. I feel your watchful eye and guidance constantly. Be safe up there brother. I miss you.

CPL. "Jack" Mayo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

February 15, 2020

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