Deputy Sheriff Michael Hartwick

Michael Hartwick

Deputy Sheriff Michael Hartwick succumbed to injuries received when he was struck by a front-end loader truck at I-275 and Ulmerton Road, near the Howard Frankland Bridge at 10:30 pm.

Deputy Hartwick was working an overnight assignment directing traffic for construction work on the I-275. He was outside his cruiser when the front-end loader carrying concrete barriers hit him.

The construction worker fled the scene but was apprehended 10 hours later. Another construction worker who helped the subject hide his work vest and flee was charged with accessory after the fact. In 2025, the suspect pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years. He was sentenced to an additional two years for aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes.

Deputy Hartwick had served with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He is survived by his two sons and mother.