A Florida sheriff's deputy died after suffering a medical emergency following a violent struggle with an armed suspect over the weekend.
At around 9: p.m. Friday, St. Johns County Sheriff's Sgt. Micheal Kunovich approached Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, an 18-year-old man who was sitting outside a closed business in St. Augustine, WJXT-V reports. During a weapons pat down, Mendez began grappling with Kunovich, and the suspect tried to take the deputy's Taser as the two went down to the ground.
More deputies were called for backup, and Vergilio was eventually subdued and handcuffed. A search of Vergilio uncovered a pocket knife, which deputies needed to forcibly take from the suspect.
Minutes after Vergilio was taken into custody, Kunovich suffered a medical incident and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
“This has been a difficult time for our agency with the loss of one of our own," Sheriff Robert Hardwick said in a statement as the department mourns Kunovich, who was a 25-year veteran with the sheriff's office. "I want to thank St. Johns Fire Rescue, Flagler Health+, and our agency personnel for their lifesaving efforts on Sergeant Kunovich."
Deputies and other law enforcement officers lined the street following Kunovich's death. Flowers in the shape of badges have been placed as a memorial at the sheriff's office's front entrance, and flags are being flown at half staff.
Mendez was charged is being held without bond, and he is charged with resisting with violence and felony murder. Investigators are working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to determine his immigration status.
Funeral arrangements for Kunovich are pending.
