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Detective Recounts Fear Of Lying Wounded; Gunman Gets Life

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By THOMAS W.  KRAUSE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2008

TAMPA - A week before DeAndre Wallace's 20th birthday, Circuit Judge Ronald Ficarrotta sentenced him to spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting a Hillsborough County sheriff's detective.

In Florida, there is no parole.

Sheriff's Detective Chris Baumann, who survived two gunshot wounds, came to today's sentencing hearing to speak his mind.

"I can remember lying in the street, bleeding and waiting to die," Baumann said. "The fear I had that day. I tried to cry, but I couldn't. I was too afraid to cry."

He told the judge he thought of the last time he told his son he loved him and wondered whether he would be able to again.

Sheriff David Gee also addressed the judge.

Baumann went to work that day last year to protect the residents of Hillsborough County, as he promised he would 10 years earlier when he was sworn in as a deputy, Gee said.

He asked Ficarrotta to send a strong message to Wallace and anyone like Wallace that they cannot attack those who take an oath to protect others.

Wallace declined to speak on his own behalf.

Wallace's attorney, Ronald Kurpiers II, said he did not want to say anything at sentencing that would inflame the situation more. He said there were decisions made at trial that can be appealed and he would research those options.

Ficarrotta echoed Gee's sentiments about the importance of law enforcement.

"In our society we rely on law enforcement," Ficarrotta said. "We rely on these men and women who put on a uniform and every day face danger."

Then he handed down the life sentence.

Wallace did not react.

At trial in April, Wallace was convicted on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm, violently obstructing an officer and improper exhibition of a firearm.

On April 28, 2007, veteran Detectives Baumann and Tracey Balogh had taken three rookie detectives to Progress Village to teach them how to make undercover drug buys. One of the rookies told Baumann that during the drug deal a large young man without a shirt walked up to the car, scowled and showed a gun.

Later that day, when Baumann and Balogh attempted to arrest Wallace, he reached for Baumann's gun. The two detectives fought with Wallace. Baumann gave his gun to Balogh so no one would be shot.

As the struggle continued, Baumann punched Wallace in the face as hard as he could. Blood splattered. Wallace stood back, cursed and pulled a small black gun.

Baumann heard a shot and felt the bullet rip into his chest. He turned and heard a second bullet miss. A third struck him in the back.

Balogh returned fire, striking Wallace once. Wallace fled but later turned himself in.

At trial, Wallace's defense attorney argued that the deputies were impaired during the shooting. Witnesses said they had been drinking beer during the drug sting.

Sheriff's officials said the beer was used as a prop and none of the deputies was impaired.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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