ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The man sentenced to 20 years in prison for the shooting death of a Clearwater man in 2018 is being transferred to protective custody. 

Michael Drejka was sentenced in October 2019 after being found guilty a few months earlier for the July 2018 shooting death of Markeis McGlockton outside a Clearwater convenience store. 

Currently serving his time at the Lancaster Correctional Institution just west of Gainesville, the 49-year-old Drejka has been transferred to protective custody for his safety, according to Drejka's attorney Bryant Camareno. 

Camareno said Drejka was attacked and beaten in prison Tuesday night by another inmate who used a lock in a sock to beat him. 

"He's had some threats and some confrontations while he has been in prison but this is the first time anyone has acted out on that," Camareno said of Drejka.

Drejka has been put into solitary confinement for his safety. Camareno said they’re still waiting on an update on his condition and what he was treated for.

The inmate who attacked Drejka referenced that he recognized him from Drejka's high profile trial in "Pinellas (County)."

In July of 2018, Drejka confronted McGlockton's girlfriend for parking in a handicapped space outside the store while McGlockton went inside with his 5-year-old son. 

Security video recorded McGlockton leaving the store and shoving Drejka to the ground. Seconds later, Drejka pulled out a handgun and shot the 28-year-old McGlockton as he backed away.

McGlockron family attorney Michelle Rayner-Goolsby has “no comment.”

Camareno said despite the verdict, Drejka's safety is paramount.

"He's been found guilty. We've got to respect the jury's verdict, but at the same time he's going to exercise his right to appeal. But more importantly the prison has to maintain security over him," Camereno said.

The Florida Department of Corrections responded with a statement reading: 

"On February 11, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Inmate Michael Drejka (J80557) was involved in an isolated incident with another inmate. The situation was brought under control by institution security staff.

Per standard protocol, Inmate Drejka was examined by medical staff and the incident is being investigated. At this time, Drejka is in administrative confinement separate from the general population, pending protective management review.

The Florida Department of Corrections is committed to providing for the safety and wellbeing of all inmates in custody. Inmates who cause harm to others are held accountable for their actions. This includes administrative sanctions, placement in restrictive housing and criminal charges if applicable. This is done for the safety of staff and other inmates.

The Department uses every tool at their disposal to mitigate violence within our institutions. Correctional Officers are diligent in their efforts to search inmates and common areas to eradicate weapons and unauthorized property. At the forefront of our efforts is an agency-wide effort to recruit and retain correctional officers statewide.

As a health-care provider, FDC is prohibited from addressing, explaining or informing anyone about an inmate’s personal health information by federal and state privacy laws. FDC takes this responsibility seriously. Information about an inmate’s health status released by attorneys or other parties cannot be acknowledged, explained, corrected or even addressed by FDC."

 

Surveillance video showed the 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton shoving Michael Drejka, to the ground after Drejka confronted McGlockton's girlfriend over parking in a handicapped spot outside the Circle A Food Store on Sunset Point. Drejka shot McGlockton in response. McGlockton later died of that wound. (Image from surveillance video)