Published on Sunday, January 14, 2007
in the Central Florida 13 News

FHP Trooper Shot And Killed

Florida Highway Patrol says two people are now in custody in connection with the murder of a state trooper.

Forty-eight-year-old Sgt. Nicholas Sottile was shot and killed Friday during a traffic stop in Lake Placid, in Highlands County. That is just south of Polk County.

Investigators say when Sottile pulled a car over one of the two men inside pulled out a gun and shot him. Both men took off.

After Sottile was shot, he was able to radio in and let dispatch know he was shot. He was transported to Florida Hospital and died at 4:51 p.m.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers converged on the area in a massive manhunt.

Troopers say they arrested 19-year-old Joshua Lee Altersberger early this morning near where the shooting happened. They say he was the shooter and is charged with first-degree murder.

Later a second suspect, 21-year-old Quinten Kinder of Georgia, turned himself in.

Troopers say Sottile did nothing wrong and was following procedure when he was shot.

Trooper say located the car the suspects were driving in an orange grove not far from where Sottile was killed. They also say the weapon used in the shooting has been recovered.

Col. Christopher Knight from the FHP said: "Our troopers do an excellent job. He followed all policy, he violated now policies of the highway patrol. Nick has been a trooper for 24 years. His son is a trooper in Tampa. He knew exactly what he was doing. He followed policy to a tee."

Troopers say there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop and they need to protect themselves.

Sgt. Jorge Delahiz from the Florida Highway Patrol said: "It's a reality check. People need to understand that one of the most dangerous things we do as law enforcement officers is a traffic stop. And when you're stopped, we're going to do things to protect ourselves. Some people don't understand it and don't like it but it's things we need to do to come home safely to our families."

Sottile was with the highway patrol for nearly 24 years. He is the state's 41st trooper to be killed in the line of duty.

Sottile is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two children, Nicholas III and Heather. Son Nicholas III is a trooper who works in the Tampa area.

Regarding the Death of Trooper Nick Sottile, Governor Charlie Crist said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Nick Sottile and his fellow Troopers. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line everyday for the safety and security of our state and I speak for all Floridians in offering our deepest gratitude for their sacrifices."

Funeral Arrangements have been made for Sergeant Nicholas G. Sottile. Viewing will be on Monday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. located at the Memorial United Methodist Church at 500 Kent Avenue Lake Placid, Florida 33852.

Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, January 16 at 1 p.m. at the Restoration Church of the Highlands located at 8475 Sparta Road Sebring, Florida 33870 (At the corner of S.R. 66 and Sparta Road).