Kyle Schlapik, a 25-year-old deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), died by suicide on June 27, 2023, in Pompano Beach, Florida. His body was discovered near the jetties around Bay Drive, just south of the Hillsboro Inlet, around 4 a.m. on Tuesday. According to the Broward Medical Examiner’s Office, Schlapik died from an intraoral gunshot wound, indicating he shot himself in the mouth.
At the time of his death, Schlapik was under investigation by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) for a possible sexual battery that allegedly occurred during the overnight hours of June 17, 2023, within the FLPD's jurisdiction. The investigation was ongoing, and FLPD detectives were conducting interviews to determine if there were any witnesses and to gather all available facts and evidence.
Schlapik had been a deputy with the BSO for four years and was assigned to the Oakland Park district. He was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident and his subsequent death. Prior to his death, Schlapik had called 911 around 3:25 a.m. and requested that deputies be sent to his location in Pompano Beach. His family, who had been searching for him, found his body at the scene after his mother and brother went to the jetty based on a suggestion from his girlfriend that he often visited the area.
The FLPD has committed to conducting a thorough and complete investigation into the alleged sexual battery incident and will continue to be in contact with the BSO, Schlapik’s family, and the victim throughout the process. The BSO also expressed their concern for Schlapik’s family and co-workers, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to process the tragedy.
