21-018 ***Update - Blood Alcohol Determined*** Detectives Investigate After Pinellas Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

***Update as of 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021***

Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit determined the blood alcohol level of the suspect, 33-year-old Robert Allen Holzaepfel, to be .230.

Detectives are requesting the public's assistance with locating anyone with damage to their vehicle as result of the crashes at East Lake Road north of Forelock Road or at Keystone Road and Woodfield Boulevard on February 17, 2021. These crashes would have occurred between 4:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Additionally, investigators are seeking any and all video footage that may have been captured via dash cam or any other methods. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Syers at (727) 582-6215 or by e-mail at jsyersjr@pcsonet.com as soon as possible.

The investigation continues.

***End of Update***

***Update – Suspect Charged in Deputy’s Death*** Detectives Investigate after Pinellas Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty

Update as of 9:15 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021

Last night, 33-year-old Robert Allen Holzaepfel was transported the Sheriff’s Office North District Station located at 2496 Bayshore Boulevard where he was interviewed by detectives.

Detectives with the Robbery/Homicide Unit have charged Holzaepfel with the following:

First Degree Felony Murder, DUI Manslaughter, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Involving Death), Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage, Manatee County Violation of Probation (False Info to a Pawn Broker) Manatee County Violation of Probation (Trafficking in Stolen Property), and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding.

***End of Update***

***Original News Release***

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Michael J. Magli (Deputy – Deceased)
Date of Hire: 6/3/2013

Robert Allen Holzaepfel (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 6/3/1987
Address: Transient
Vehicle: 2002 White Ford F150
Charges: To be determined

PINELLAS COUNTY - Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating a deputy-involved crash that resulted in the death of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael J. Magli.

On February 17, 2021 at about 4:25 p.m., deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau were dispatched to the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road in Unincorporated Tarpon Springs. According to detectives, 33-year-old Robert Allen Holzaepfel was passed out behind the wheel at the red light. Rescue crews were first on scene and broke out a window to assess Holzaepfel.

Detectives say Holzaepfel fled the scene travelling Northbound on East Lake Road. He continued to drive recklessly travelling Eastbound on Keystone Road continuing to evade deputies. Holzaepfel made a U-turn driving over a curb travelling back to East Lake Road where he stopped at the red light. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, however, he fled southbound on East Lake Road.

According to investigators, Deputy Magli was travelling Northbound on East Lake Road and stopped in the median to deploy a tire deflation device (Stop Sticks). Deputy Magli was standing outside of his vehicle when Holzaepfel entered the median, lost control of his truck, and collided with Deputy Magli.

Deputy Magli was pinned under his patrol vehicle and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Deputy Magli has been with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office since 2013 and was assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents.

This remains an active and on-going investigation and East Lake Road between Forelock Road and Keystone Road will likely remain closed through tomorrow morning, February 18, 2021.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri gave a press conference on scene and can be found below: