Man Indicted in Shooting of Fla. Deputy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A man suspected of fatally shooting a 76-year-old sheriff's deputy who was taking him to a court appearance was indicted Tuesday on charges that could bring the death penalty.

Michael Mazza, 40, was charged with first-degree murder, robbery, carjacking and escape. He is being held without bail and will likely be arraigned next month, according to prosecutor Michael J. Satz.

Mazza is charged with killing Broward County sheriff's deputy Paul Rein with the officer's firearm Nov. 7. Investigators say Mazza — already serving one life prison term for a robbery conviction — overpowered Rein while being taken to court in a medical van for an appearance on another robbery charge.

Mazza was captured a few hours after the shooting at a pawn shop.

Mazza's public defender, Bruce Raticoff, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel the indictment was expected. Raticoff did not return a message left by The Associated Press.