TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – A deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday afternoon, according to investigators.
The sheriff’s office said Deputy Michael Magli was killed setting up stop sticks during a pursuit on East Lake Road in Tarpon Springs.
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He is survived by his wife and his two kids, according to the sheriff’s office.
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“We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Deputy Magli’s family during this difficult time. Please keep them along with our PCSO family in your thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office said around 4:25 p.m. investigators responded to the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road.
The investigators found 33-year-old found Robert Allen Holzaepfel passed out behind the wheel at a red light, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said crews broke out a window to assess Holzaepfel.
Hozaepfel left the scene and was spotted traveling northbound on East Lake Road, according to deputies.
Deputy Magli stopped in a median to deploy stop sticks during the pursuit.
Investigators said Deputy Magli was standing outside of his vehicle when Holzaepfel entered the median and lost control of his truck.
The vehicle struck Deputy Magli and pinned him under his patrol car, according to deputies.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy Magli was with the department since 2013.
Investigators said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.