Road Worker Hits And Kills Deputy On 275 And Flees Scene
In a practically unbelievable local story this morning, a deputy was struck and killed by a road construction worker in a work zone on I-275 last night. Two separate construction workers face charges this morning after one allegedly hit and killed a deputy. Then, in a crazy turn of events, the construction worker reportedly fled the scene. The incident happened Thursday night at about 11 pm.
Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told reporters that 51-year-old Deputy Michael Hartwick was helping control traffic in a construction project when he was hit by a front end loader with a forklift attachment. Witnesses say the man who was running the large piece of equipment, identified as Victor Vasquez, drove away from the scene for about a quarter of a mile before stopping. He then reportedly removed his helmet and vest, handed them to a coworker, told him what had just happened, then ran away on foot. The man remains on foot and on the run as of the writing of this story.
Sheriff Gualtieri said the man faces a charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, which is a second degree felony. The other man was arrested at the scene for being an accessory after the fact. The second man remains in custody for allegedly helping the man hide his uniform after the incident.
Deputy Hartwick was a 19 year veteran of the sheriff’s office. He had been assigned to work the patrol division and worked the night shift. Hartwick’s death is the second death in the sheriff’s department in 18 months. Both lanes of 275 will be closed until the investigation concludes.
Update:
SUSPECT TAKEN INTO CUSTODY:
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 23, 2022
The suspect who killed Deputy Michael Hartwick has been taken into custody. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the media and the public for their support. Further updates will be provided as they become available. pic.twitter.com/eqTsPDDw09
Source: WFLA.com