Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Suarez was killed as he attempted to serve a civil paper for recovery of furniture on a man in the area of Willow and Chestnut Streets. As he was reading the paper the man attempted to walk away. When Deputy Suarez grabbed him by the arm he turned and stabbed him several times. He then grabbed his service revolver and shot him.
The 25-year-old suspect was apprehended three weeks later in Birmingham, Alabama. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court ordered a new trial resulting in a second degree murder conviction and a life sentence.
Deputy Sheriff Robert Suarez was killed as he attempted to serve a civil paper for recovery of furniture on a man in the area of Willow and Chestnut Streets. As he was reading the paper the man attempted to walk away. When Deputy Suarez grabbed him by the arm he turned and stabbed him several times. He then grabbed his service revolver and shot him.
Condolences to his family
Carson loveless April 5th, 2024
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BO-US-FL-9A04AC7F- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Suarez served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tampa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Suarez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Robert Max Suarez is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Max Suarez's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Max Suarez Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Max Suarez is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Max Suarez was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
