MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — A former Broward Sheriff’s Office sergeant fired over his alleged actions on the night of a triple murder in Tamarac says he plans to sue the department and Sheriff Gregory Tony, claiming he was wrongfully terminated.
Former Sgt. Travis Allen, who served nearly 20 years with BSO, responded on Feb. 16 to a triple murder in Tamarac.
Investigators said Nathan Gingles, 43, of Lauderhill, killed his 34-year-old estranged wife, Mary Gingles, her 64-year-old father, David Ponzer, and their 36-year-old neighbor, Andrew Ferrin.
Gingles, authorities said, had his 4-year-old daughter with him during the entire killing spree.
There was a restraining order against Gingles, and Mary Gingles had previously called BSO, saying she feared for her life.
Tony publicly criticized how deputies handled the case, saying Allen and others failed to take appropriate action.
“He was absolutely a coward,” Tony said during a September news conference. “In short, Sgt. Allen was terminated for investigative procedures and response.”
Tony said video footage showed Allen arriving on scene, turning off his light and allowing both the suspect and his daughter to pass by his vehicle without stopping them.
Allen disputes that account, saying he did not know Gingles and his daughter were connected to the 911 calls at the time.
“This sergeant was responding to the scene. He’s far from a coward,” Allen’s Miami Lakes-based attorney, Stephan Lopez, said, confirming they are preparing to file a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office. “There’s only one person responsible for the murder here and that’s the guy in custody.”
Allen said he wants to clear his name.
“It’s a shame that this happened to Mary Gingles and her family, and again, my heart goes out to her, but I did the best I could that night,” he said.
Lopez says they are still in the early stages of filing the lawsuit, but that legal action is coming soon.
A BSO spokesperson declined to comment on Allen’s plan to sue.
Gingles, now 44, remains in BSO custody on three first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
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