Deputy Sheriff Michael James Magli

Michael James Magli

Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli was struck and killed by a drunk driver who fled at a high rate of speed after a sheriff's sergeant attempted to stop him.

Deputies and rescue personnel had responded to reports of a subject passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle at the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road. The man was unresponsive, so paramedics broke the vehicle's window. The man suddenly awoke and accelerated at a high rate of speed. When the sergeant attempted to stop him the man fled again, driving recklessly and crossing over the median into oncoming traffic.

Deputy Magli was preparing to deploy spike strips when the driver lost control, overturned, and struck him. He was pinned beneath his patrol car and succumbed to his injuries.

The driver, who had 16 felony convictions and was out on parole, was arrested in connection with this incident. In September 2022, the subject accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 35 years.

Deputy Magli had served with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and parents.