Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty, suspect charged
February 18, 2021 - Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Magli was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Robert Holzaepfel. A seven-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, Magli and other members of the Patrol Operations Bureau were pursuing Holzaepfel, 33, in an unincorporated part of Tarpon Springs. Magli exited his patrol car to deploy stop sticks when Holzaepfel, who was traveling southbound on East Lake Road between Forelock Road and Keystone Road, lost control of his truck, entered the median and collided with Magli. Holzaepfel, whose address is listed as “transient,” was taken into custody and has been charged with first degree felony murder, DUI manslaughter, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage and aggravated fleeing and eluding. He also faces probation violation charges in Manatee County.