St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Friday, May 19, 2023
Add to My HeroesMichael Kunovich
Sergeant Michael Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack following a violent struggle with a man in the 2500 block of State Road 16 in St. Augustine.
The man was sitting in the dark outside of a closed business when Sergeant Kunovich approached him at about 9:00 pm. When Sergeant Kunovich attempted to pat the man down for weapons, the subject attempted to flee. Sergeant Kunovich and other deputies struggled with the subject for over six minutes, during which the man attempted to disarm him of his taser. After the man was placed in handcuffs, he was able to access a pocket knife which had to be forcibly removed from his hands.
Sergeant Kunovich collapsed moments after the man was put in custody.
The man was charged with resisting violence and aggravated manslaughter. The charges were dropped, but he is in federal prison awaiting deportation.
Sergeant Kunovich had served with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. He is survived by his two sons, mother, stepfather, two sisters, and a brother.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 25 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
- Weapon Person
- Offender Awaiting deportation
Most Recent Reflection
View all 119 ReflectionsGod rest your soul Officer..........I am appalled at an illegal being set free................biden/harris/obiden administration is killing our country and sadly our LEO's/first responders...............
Charlie U.
Patriot Guard Riders
March 17, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024