Deputy Michael Hartwick, 51, killed when struck by front-end loader driven by hit-and-run driver Victor Vasquez-Real, 35, on Interstate 275 in Pinellas County, Florida
Modified Date:
Sat, 09/24/2022 - 7:25amAccident Date:
Thursday, September 22, 2022Suspect in custody in Pinellas deputy's hit-and-run death; I-275 closures, delays remain
According to Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Deputy Michael Hartwick, 51, was killed when he was struck by a front-end loader being driven by a construction worker just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday night.
Florida deputy killed by illegal immigrant in hit-and-run before fleeing scene, sheriff says
After striking Hartwick, Molina-Salles allegedly kept going and told another construction worker he had just killed a deputy. He then took off his construction hat and traffic vest and allegedly handed it to the worker and told him to hide it.
Type: Pedestrian Accident
People Involved:
Michael Hartwick
Victor Vasquez-Real
Roadway:
Interstate 275County:
Pinellas County, FLArea:
Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL