TAMPA -- As expected, a judge has refused to grant bond to the man suspected of killing a longtime Hillsborough sheriff's deputy while on the run from the law, after a lengthy bond hearing.
Three deputies who responded to the disturbance blamed on suspect Travis Garrett testified at his bond hearing. Prosecutors also played deputies' body cam videos that showed the encounter with Garrett at the Paddock Club Apartments, who was naked, including deputies' attempts to tase him, which were unsuccessful.
Responding deputies also described the crash that killed Hillsborough Sheriff's Master Corporal Brian Lavigne, posthumously promoted to Sergeant. Lavigne was killed January 11th, on the verge of retirement after three decades on the force.
One video shows the reaction of a deputy who was pursuing Garrett's car and witnessed the crash on Lumsden Road, vainly trying to give a warning to Lavigne via radio. "He's aiming for your car... get out of the way... get out of the way! Oh! Just drove into the cruiser... right on top of it!" That deputy testified that he saw no sign that Garrett slowed down or tried to avoid the crash.
A deputy testified that toxicology tests from the hospital showed Garrett had cocaine and marijuana in his system. Family members told detectives that Garrett's behavior had its roots in an argument with his girlfriend.
In closing arguments, the public defender stated that there was no adequate way to release Garrett given his mental health and physical problems, but hoped there could be. She also pointed out that testimony revealed Garrett had accelerated his car for "only" 1.5 seconds before the crash. Judge Catherine Catlin, in denying bond on the murder charge, declared that it showed "1.5 seconds of premeditation."
Garrett is still hospitalized and did not attend the hearing. Neither did Sgt. Lavigne's family, but prosecutors passed along their wished that he be held without bail.
Photo: HCSO/ State Attorney's Office/ Clerk of Courts