Pre-Meditated Murder Charge In Officer's Death: State Attorney

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The suspect who is accused of deliberately ramming his car into a Hillsborough County deputy's cruiser and killing him Jan. 11 will be prosecuted for first-degree premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, the most serious charge in all of Florida law, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office.

Travis Garrett, 28, faces nine felony charges, which will be discussed with Judge Catherine Catlin and attorneys in a status hearing Fri. at 12:30 p.m.

“This was a deliberate attack on law enforcement, he targeted a cop," Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren said. "When you commit a crime like this—when you cause pain like this—you should expect consequences like this. Despite losing a friend, the detectives handling this case are completely focused."

"They’re doing an incredible job working with our prosecutors to build the strongest possible case.”

The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office will pursue additional charges against Garrett:

• First-Degree Premeditated Murder
• Fleeing to Elude (at High Speed Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death)
• Vehicular Homicide
• DUI Manslaughter
• Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
• Resisting Officer with Violence
• Criminal Mischief (with $1,000 or More in Damage)

Master Corporal Brian LaVigne, 54, was one shift away from retiring when he was killed in the line of duty. He had been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office since 1990, and is survived by his wife and two children.

Related Story:

• Deputy Killed In Line Of Duty: Sheriff