Broward County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, December 15, 1997
Add to My HeroesMichael J. Metroka
Deputy Metroka was injured after being involved in a hit and run on November 29, 1997, and died of his injuries on December 15, 1997.
Deputy Metroka and his canine partner were traveling westbound when another vehicle struck his patrol car near Copans Road and Northeast First Avenue. The suspect, a convicted felon, got out of his vehicle and approached the patrol car before fleeing the scene after removing a gun from his wrecked rental car.
K9 Woedon, Deputy Metroka's partner, exited the vehicle and chased the suspect before returning to stay with him until rescue crews arrived. The suspect was captured a short time later and was charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, driving with a suspended license, and other charges.
On March 27, 1998, the 26-year-old suspect was seen fleeing on a bicycle from Metro Bank at 4820 N. Federal Highway. He was later captured and charged with robbing the bank. Just six days earlier, he was released after posting bail in Deputy Metroka's case. A few days later, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a habitual felon. In March of 1999, he was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death and sentenced to 30 years. His release date is November 26, 2031.
Deputy Metroka had served with the Broward County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, mother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Incident Date Saturday, November 29, 1997
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to 30 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 70 ReflectionsUncle Michael,
Been thinking about you alot lately. So much time has passed. So many things you have missed out on. I bet you and dad are playing tennis up there and telling some good stories. Still remember him calling you dunkoff
Robyn Caiazzo
Niece
June 28, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024