Deputy Sheriff Donald Lee Schavolt

Deputy Sheriff Donald Lee Schavolt

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Sunday, March 31, 2002

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Donald Lee Schavolt

Deputy Donald Schavolt suffered a fatal heart attack after being kicked in the chest by a juvenile suspect during an arrest attempt in the Casa Del Monte Mobile Home Park.

He and three other deputies had responded to a noise complaint and found the suspect lying in the street when they arrived. The suspect violently resisted arrest and it took four deputies to restrain him.

Deputy Schavolt transported the suspect to a local medical center where he again resisted. Later, Deputy Schavolt went and sat down inside at the hospital and then collapsed. The suspect was charged as a juvenile with second-degree murder, and resisting arrest with violence as a result of Deputy Schavolt's death.

An autopsy determined that Deputy Schavolt's heart attack did not directly result from being kicked in the chest. The suspect's charges were reduced to felony battery, resisting arrest, and two counts of misdemeanor assault.

Deputy Schavolt is survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge 3721

Incident Details

  • Cause Heart attack
  • Weapon Person; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Charged with assault

juvenile offender, noise complaint

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service. Deputy Sheriff Donald Lee Schavolt will never be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

July 30, 2022

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