Pinellas Deputy Killed On I-275
A deputy working traffic off-duty on I-275 was killed by a construction worker who then fled the area.
Following a press conference with Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, here’s what we’ve learned:
UPDATE: 9:04 a.m. – A suspect has been taken into custody.
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
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect, 35-year-old Victor Vazquez-Real, who is believed to have killed Deputy Michael Hartwick in a hit and run crash late last night.
It is with extraordinary sadness that we announce that Deputy Michael Hartwick was killed in the line of duty late Thursday evening as a result of a hit and run crash on I-275 in St. Petersburg. The suspect is still at large. pic.twitter.com/o5TcR5t7bo
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 23, 2022
Vazquez-Real’s last known address is in Tampa. The public is encouraged to call Tampa Police Department or the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office with any possible information on his whereabouts.
“The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in
— Atish Patel (@ATISH_WTSP) September 23, 2022
locating the suspect, 35-year-old Victor Vazquez-Real, who is believed to have killed Deputy Michael Hartwick in a hit and run crash late last night.” https://t.co/JkqFoReGxJ pic.twitter.com/6qVJju6WrV
This situation has caused closures of I-275 in Pinellas County. Southbound I-275 traffic has been diverted onto Ulmerton Road. Northbound I-275 traffic has been diverted onto Gandy Blvd. Expect traffic delays until midday. Updates will be provided as roads open.
