2025 Trooper of the Month

January | Trooper Brett Pittman, Trooper Ryan Fisher, Trooper Cameron Beebe, Trooper Kyle Durr, Corporal Kari Hilliard, Corporal Matt Phelan, and Sergeant Mike McFarland

Congratulations to Trooper Brett Pittman, Trooper Ryan Fisher, Trooper Cameron Beebe, Trooper Kyle Durr, Corporal Kari Hilliard, Corporal Matt Phelan, and Sergeant Mike McFarland for being selected as the co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month award for January 2025.

On January 31, 2025, a vehicle versus bicycle crash occurred along US Highway 90 in Columbia County. Following the crash, the vehicle fled the scene, leaving an 8-year-old girl with serious and possibly fatal injuries. Trooper Pittman and Trooper Fisher responded and began a criminal investigation that included processing the scene to preserve and collect pertinent evidence. After garnering limited suspect leads, they utilized multiple databases to search for possible suspect information. Eventually, a possible vehicle of interest was identified and a search for that vehicle was initiated at multiple addresses in both Columbia and Alachua counties, to no avail. While still in the initial stages of the investigation, Trooper Pittman and Trooper Fisher were informed that the victim had tragically succumbed to her injuries. The troopers continued their investigative efforts leaving no stone unturned. While searching for a possible suspect vehicle along Interstate 75, Trooper Pittman was able to locate the vehicle and as a result he and Trooper Fisher conducted a traffic stop. Sergeant Mike McFarland was actively monitoring the ongoing incident and immediately responded to the traffic stop. Two occupants in the vehicle were detained and the suspect vehicle was processed into evidence. The suspects were turned over to Traffic Homicide Investigators Corporal Kari Hilliard and Corporal Matt Phelan. The suspects responsible were arrested for the felony hit-and-run and later booked into the Columbia County Jail.  The driver was charged with Knowingly Giving False Information to an LEO and Failing to stop and remain at a Crash involving death. The secondary suspect, who was a passenger and the driver’s spouse, was charged with Accessory After the Fact and Knowingly Giving False Information to an LEO.

February | Trooper Javier Rivera and Trooper Michael Pepitone

Congratulations to Trooper Javier Rivera and Trooper Michael Pepitone for being selected as the co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month award for February 2025.

On February 12, 2025, while on patrol in Lee County, Trooper Rivera and Trooper Pepitone were flagged down by a pedestrian. The pedestrian reported that a man at a nearby apartment complex was harassing and attempting to lure his 12-year-old daughter while she was walking home from her school bus stop. The troopers immediately searched the area and located the individual as described.

They initiated an investigation and identified the suspect using his out-of-state driver’s license. A review of his criminal history revealed prior offenses for attempted kidnapping and sexual assault. It was determined that he was not a resident of the apartment complex and had no legitimate reason for being on the property. The suspect had initiated contact with the child and asked about her home and personal information. Following the investigation, the suspect was arrested for Loitering and Prowling and Luring and Enticing of a Minor. He was then transported to the Lee County Jail, courtesy of your Florida Highway Patrol.