Three Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were shot, one fatally, while they were responding to a report of disturbance in a Florida home.
One deputy is dead. Another deputy was struck in the shoulder and is now in stable condition. The third deputy was struck in the armpit, the groin and the stomach area multiple times, has undergone surgery and is in serious critical condition, Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said during a press conference.
Deputies responded to a call about a disturbance that was in progress and while they were conducting their investigation, they learned there was an issue at a home a few houses down from where they were, Grinnell said.
The deputies then responded there and saw what appeared to be the back door kicked in and they heard a disturbance inside the house. When the deputies entered the home, there was “a lot of gunfire” and one of the deputies was struck, Grinnell said.
In this screenshot from a video, law enforcement are shown near the scene where three deputies were shot, on Aug. 2, 2024, in Lake County, Fla.
WFTV
The backup deputy with him was able to retreat out of the home but the first deputy was trapped inside the home.
Multiple deputies responded to the scene and formed a “rescue team” to go back into the house and attempt to get the deputy inside the home and they were met with a “hail of gunfire” and another deputy sheriff was struck, but they were able to retreat from the house, Grinnell said.
“It was a very violent scene,” Grinnell said.
“They were ambushed,” he said.
In this screenshot from a video, law enforcement are shown near the scene where three deputies were shot, on Aug. 2, 2024, in Lake County, Fla.
WFTV
Law enforcement then mobilized the SWAT team as they were dealing with “a lot of firepower,” Grinnell said.
Of the people inside the home, two are dead and one was transported and their condition is unknown, according to Grinnell. They found multiple firearms in the home.
There is no longer a threat to the public, according to Grinnell.
On a quiet evening in a small town, tragedy struck as one deputy was killed and two others were injured in an ambush shooting. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and left many wondering how such a senseless act could occur.
The deputies were responding to a call for assistance when they were suddenly ambushed by an unknown assailant. The shooter opened fire on the deputies, catching them off guard and causing chaos in the usually peaceful neighborhood. The deputies had no time to react before one of them was fatally wounded, while the other two sustained serious injuries.
The loss of a deputy is a devastating blow to any law enforcement agency, as these brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities. The fallen deputy leaves behind a family, friends, and colleagues who are now left to mourn his loss and try to make sense of this tragic event.
The injured deputies are currently receiving medical treatment and are expected to recover, but the emotional scars of this ambush shooting will likely linger for years to come. The entire law enforcement community is rallying around the injured deputies, offering support and prayers for their speedy recovery.
As the investigation into the ambush shooting continues, authorities are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the shooter responsible for this heinous act. The community is on edge, fearful that such violence could happen again in their town. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
In times like these, it is important for communities to come together and support one another. The loss of a deputy affects not only his family and colleagues but the entire community as well. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while carrying out their duties.
As we mourn the loss of a brave deputy and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured deputies, let us also remember to show our appreciation for all law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. May justice be served for the fallen deputy and may peace be restored to the community in the wake of this tragic ambush shooting.
