Longwood Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, July 14, 2007
Add to My HeroesKarl Strohsal
Sergeant Karl Strohsal was struck and killed by another vehicle on I-4, near Saxon Boulevard in Volusia County, at about 1:30 am.
He was returning from a plainclothes operation when his unmarked vehicle had been involved in a crash and became disabled in the center lane after he swerved to avoid a plastic lawn chair that had been placed in the road. He had activated his emergency lights, exited the vehicle, and was standing in front of it when he observed an SUV approaching at a high rate of speed.
As Sergeant Strohsal attempted to run across the inside lane to the shoulder, the driver changed lanes at the last moment to avoid striking the patrol car but struck him.
The driver who struck was charged with driving on a suspended license and DUI.
The three adults who placed the chair in the roadway and who had been throwing rocks at other cars were convicted of manslaughter. Two of them were sentenced to four years in prison and the third was sentenced to nine years.
Sergeant Strohsal had served with the Longwood Police Department for 18 years and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren.
Bio
- Age 58
- Tour 32 years
- Badge L3607
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to 9 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 248 ReflectionsThoughts and prayers remain with the Strohsal Family, loved ones and the of the Longwood Police Department. Sgt. Strohsal's service to NY and FL, as well as his family's sacrifice will not ever be forgotten. He made a difference and his memory will live on.
Gary Howze
Florida Office of the Attorney General
July 14, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023

Special Agent Robert C. Castioni, Jr.
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: July 24, 2023

Police Officer Anthony Francone
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: August 25, 2023