Sergeant Nicholas G. Sottile

Nicholas G. Sottile

Sergeant Nicholas Sottile was shot and killed during a traffic stop on U.S. 27 north of Lake Placid, Florida.

During the stop one of the two occupants produced a handgun and shot Sergeant Sottile in the chest.

Despite being mortally wounded, Sergeant Sottile was able to notify dispatchers that he had been shot. He was transported to Florida Hospital Lake Placid where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.

Both assailants fled the scene but were arrested early the following morning following a massive manhunt. Sergeant Sottile's killer was sentenced to death.

Sergeant Sottile had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 24 years and was assigned to Troop F in Bradenton. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. At the time of the incident, his son also served with the Florida Highway Patrol.