People in the bay area, ashley. Reporter lindsay, especially for his immediate family and Law Enforcement family. There is a private visitation starting in about an hour. Right now, take a look. You can see a huge American Flag just one sign honoring his life here. Kotfilas father spoke with us remembering how tough it was to find out about his sons death last weekend but says his family is taking solace in his heroism, saving someone else. An eyewitness says she saw the wrong way driver first and kotfila sped around her to save her. His sister and father tell us kotfila deserves every honor today. I think it gives us comfort knowing that he did die a hero. His life and was something to be celebrated. Reporter his dad spent nearly 30 years with the massachusetts state police. Back out here live around 4,000 other people expected to come here and pay their respects. Were going to be here as family, friends, and the Law Enforcement Community Comes together to honor this man who did so mu
The major starting off u. S. 19 southbound with an 11minute drive right now. 18 minutes on the veterans from 54 down to 275 and four minutes on dell mabry from fletcher to waters. At 5 30, we want to you take a good look at this picture, this 10yearold boy police say ran away from home. Police say he has a medical condition and doesnt have his medication with him. If you know where he is, call tampa police. The sacrifice wasnt in vain. Deputy john kotfila, jr. Died after he collided with pay wrongway driver to save a stranger. Today, family, friends, and colleagues will come together as they celebrate his life. Ashley yore is live at the Sheriffs Office in ybor city. You are standing where fallen deputies are memorialized there. This is a memorial for fallen deputies. Here you can see the last one in 2010. This is the spot right next to it where john kotfila will be. They have so much to celebrate. Everyone we spoke about talked about kotfilas infectious smile. Deputies called him thei
This has been a closely watched trial right electricity beginning. Twists and turns all taking place behind those doors of the Pinellas County courthouse. The jury heard from hogan himself and also learned officially they would not hear from bubba the love sponge. His lawyers invoked his fifth incrimination. Gawker said hulk hogan played a character from a miley sire rhys video and he said this character hosts the web site. Closing arguments of the case are expected so start this morning. Well be streaming the whole thing live if you want to check it out. Live in st. Pete this morning, corey dierdorff, abc action news. Of course, a lot on the line as this case draws to a close. File for bankruptcy. Dont miss a moment of closing arguments. Well be Live Streaming the end app. Once we learn a verdict, well let you know about that, too. Power is back on for hundreds of people after a car slammed into a utility pole overnight. The cash knocked out power to more than 800 customers. The drive
They say he fired a shot at them hitting one officers riot shield. This started after a woman called 911 about a domestic disturbance. Abc action News Reporter Corey Dierdorff has the update. Reporter first off, were very lucky. No officers were injured during the whole ordeal. The neighborhood is still shut down. You can see the 3300 block of west cherokee here in tampa. Crime scene investigators are looking over evidence. Weve seen detectives going doortodoor asking if anybody had heard anything. It all started about 1 10 this morning where a woman inside of avenue called 911. Officers rushed to the scene and were met by an armed man in the doorway of the house. That man pointed a gun at the First Arriving officers before going back into the house. Tpd officers tried to get him to surrender for 45 minutes pep came back, raised a gun and shields dead center. Tpd spokesperson says the officers are lucky to be alive. I dont know why the gentleman pulled out the gun and fired, but he did