Lagocki and the deputy were both traveling west on State Road 100. The deputy was alone in his cruiser. Lagocki had three family members in the vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Deputy Joseph Barnett, 40, a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was “trying to keep pace with a potential violator,” the FHP incident report states, when the crash happened. The potential violator was on a motorcycle, in the left lane of the four-lane, divided highway. Barnett was in the right lane. He did not have his emergency lights on.
Traffic then slowed in front of Barnett as a car turned onto the road leading to the Palm Pointe apartments. Barnett, the report states, could not stop in time. The front of his cruiser, a 2014 Foird Taurus, struck the rear of the 2014 Ford Flex Lagocki was driving.
FHP has ruled out alcohol, and both drivers were wearing seat belts. Charges are pending, the report states. It does not clarify against whom, but generally, in crashes of this nature, charges–if they are handed down–are faced by the driver that rear-ends a vehicle rather than by the driver being rear-ended. The sheriff’s cruiser sustained $2,000 in damages, Lagocki’s Ford had $1,000 in damages, according to the report.
Lagocki was for eight years Matanzas High’s head football coach. He resigned from that position two years ago. Last year he coached boys’ tennis. His wife Frances is an admired reading teacher at the school.
wolley segap says
While you’re adding past held positions/accomplishments of one, I’ll mention for you that Barnett is also a career military man and just recently returned from another tour (this time in Afghanistan).
laura says
What an awesome guy!!! Love him–
sonny says
trying to get pace with a potential violator what is that either he violated or he didnt
Lil dude says
Press charges!
jadobi says
What charges? FHP investigated the crash, if they determined the deputy is at fault, he will receive a citation. There are certain circumstances where a law enforcement (or other emergency vehicle/responder) may be at fault but cannot be ticketed (ie they are responding to a call/emergency situation) but can still be found at fault in the investigation. The County will end up paying with your tax dollars.
Regardless of who you are, if you drive enough miles, odds are against you and you will ikely have an accident. Yes, this was carelessness. He will be disciplined at work and likely receive a ticket. No one is perfect.
Raul Troche says
After almost being hit myself recently and reading about several deputies causing car wrecks in Flagler county and often not using lights and or sirens in two high speed chases that I personally witnessed I think perhaps they should go to safe driver courses.
confidential says
I seriously yield to emergency vehicles “all the time” …and in over my 70 years of life in which my work required to be driving most the time, never had such an accident incident.
In 100 just few days ago almost same happened to me as a pick up driven west went into an almost stop on the right lane and I thought I was going to rear ended…just because some one ahead was not sure if they arrived at the rigfht place or npt.
PalmCoastCitizen says
Glad neither were hurt! Its an accident… no one is immune from them, whether citizen or deputy. Thats why we have insurance, for these types of things. Everyone just be thankful no one was hurt!