Who: 
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Sharon Scroggins (Recognized)

Deputy Richard Tipton
Age: 56
Hire Date: 10/01/1995

What:
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has recognized Sharon Scroggins for her selfless efforts to assist a deputy after a suspect struck him several times and then attempted to carjack his patrol car.

When:
Ms. Scroggins was presented with a plaque on February 16, 2015.

The incident for which she is being recognized occurred on January 31, 2015.

Where:
The plaque was presented at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

The incident occurred at Alderman Road and Westlake Boulevard in Palm Harbor.

Why/How:
On January 31, 2015, Sharon Scroggins was taking her 83 year-old father to a walk-in clinic, as he was feeling ill. While traveling east on Alderman Road, a male, later identified as Zane Gavin, ran into the roadway in front of Scroggins’ vehicle. Deputies say Scroggins applied the brakes and Gavin fell onto the hood, at which time he banged on the hood and fell to the ground.

Deputy Richard Tipton was patrolling the area when he saw what appeared to him to be a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash. Deputy Tipton approached the subject, who by now had risen to his feet. Without warning Gavin threw a punch, striking Deputy Tipton, knocking him to the ground. Gavin continued to attack the deputy.

Deputies say Ms. Scroggins immediately exited her vehicle and tried to assist Deputy Tipton. Gavin also attacked her, striking her in the head and face causing her to become disoriented.

The suspect then entered Deputy Tipton’s cruiser and attempted to commit a carjacking. Deputy Tipton was able to call for help, and engaged Gavin with his electronic control device to prevent him from driving away in the cruiser.

Assisting deputies were able to subsequently arrest Gavin.

Both Ms. Scroggins and Deputy Tipton were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries and released. Both, however, returned to the hospital within the next few days for head trauma and vertigo symptoms.

Scroggins, who was spending time in the area, will be returning to her permanent home in Indiana in order to receive care from her family.

Deputies say that on multiple occasions on the night of the incident, Ms. Scroggins expressed her concern over Deputy Tipton’s well-being.

In appreciation for her selfless efforts to assist a law enforcement officer engaged in the line-of duty, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has presented Ms. Scroggins with a plaque.

The Sheriff's press conference can be viewed on our YouTube page here: http://youtu.be/_ZUA5xUbuMI