Who is Victor Vazquez, suspect in the killing of Pinellas PD deputy?

Victor Vazquez the prime suspect in the Florida hit-and-run case that killed the Pinellas County Police Department officer, deputy Michael Hartwick. Police across different states have begun the search for Vasquez, but he is still at large.  

Also read: Pinellas County, Florida: Suspect in hit-and-run wreck that killed officer Michael Hartwick at large

The incident happened when deputy Hartwick was on traffic duty in the area around Interstate 275 and Roosevelt Boulevard. It is being reported that Vazquez was driving an interstate loader, which hit Hartwick. 

“Detectives are investigating a fatal deputy involved hit-and-run crash,” Pinellas County PD updated via a Facebook post on Friday. A picture of the suspect has also been circulated on various social media channels and civilians have been asked to report sightings.

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Who is Victor Vasquez?

Victor Vasquez was identified as the main suspect in the incident by one of his co-workers, according to Pinellas County PD Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. The sheriff confirmed that the co-worker has identified Vasquez as the driver of the truck when it hit deputy Hartwick.

Sheriff Gualtieri also said that Vasquez’s co-worker has said that Vasquez is 35 years old. He worked as a construction worker in the same company and drove the front-end loader with a forklift.

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He has also confessed to helping Vasquez of hiding his company uniform. He also said that he assisted him in leaving the crime scene. The Sheriff has confirmed that a case of abetting crime was registered against the co-worker. 

Angie Angers, a reporter with Bay News 9 in St. Pete. Florida said in a tweet that Victor Vasquez is a resident of Columbus Dr in Tampa.