In the line of duty: St. Johns County sergeant dies during arrest and struggle

Scott Butler, Florida Times-Union
Updated ·3 min read
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A 25-year veteran lawman with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office died during a struggle with a combative 18-year-old resisting arrest, according to Sheriff Robert Hardwick.

Sgt. Michael Paul Kunovich, 52, collapsed from "medical distress" during the Friday-night encounter with Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, the sheriff said. The teen is now charged with murder and resisting law enforcement with violence. His jail listing shows he is detained without bail for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Hardwick provided the following account of what happened Friday night.

Kunovich
Kunovich

It began about 9 p.m. when Kunovich made contact with a young man sitting in the dark outside a closed business in the 2500 block of Florida 16 in St. Augustine. He attempted to pat him down to check for weapons, but Aguilar Mendez pulled away and tried to flee. Additional deputies arrived, but he continued to resist.

"While fighting on the ground, the suspect attempted to grab the sergeant’s taser and continued to violently resist for about 6 minutes," according to Hardwick's statement.

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After he was handcuffed, he was able to arm himself with a pocket knife that was forcefully removed by deputies. Kunovich collapsed moments later and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"This has been a difficult time for our agency with the loss of one of our own," Hardwick said. "I want to thank St. Johns Fire Rescue, Flagler Health+ and our agency personnel for their lifesaving efforts on Sergeant Kunovich. I ask that you please respect the family and members of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Kunovich."

Memorials for Sgt. Michael Kunovich

Dozens of memorials filled social media as a tribute to the late sergeant.

Among them was a former co-worker, Bonnie Beeson Layfield.

"He was always so nice when he came into the Civil Unit when I was there at the Sheriff's Office," she posted on her Facebook. "He was easy to work with. I'm absolutely crushed by this. My soul hurts. He was way too young & leaves behind 2 sons. End of watch Sgt Michael Paul. May he continue to shine down on his family & loved ones. Thank you for your service."

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters also commented on the passing of his department's neighboring comrade.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Kunovich’s family and friends and our brothers and sisters of the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office," Waters said. "Sergeant Kunovich’s line of duty death is a tragedy that we all feel and sends ripple effects in our Northeast Florida law enforcement community.  While our prayers and thoughts go out to Sergeant Kunovich’s loved ones at this difficult time, JSO also vows to provide any needed resources and support to Sheriff Hardwick and his agency.  At time of great sadness, we honor Sergeant Kunovich’s life of public service and his commitment to serve his community until his end of watch.”

Hardwick said funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida deputy dies during arrest of combative man; ICE called