Florida Deputy Killed, Two Hospitalized in Ambush Attack

A Florida deputy was killed and two others were hospitalized Friday night in an ambush-style shooting, authorities said. The incident occurred at a home in Eustis, where deputies responded to a disturbance call and were met with gunfire. One deputy died at the scene, while the two others were injured as they attempted to rescue him.

Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell revealed the tragic news at a press conference early Saturday morning. He stated that deputies responded to a home on Brookside Drive in Eustis around 8 p.m. regarding a disturbance. "They were ambushed," Grinnell said. "We lost one tonight."

Florida Deputy Killed, Two Hospitalized in Ambush Attack

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies encountered a disturbance coming from inside the home and entered the residence. Master Deputy Bradley Link, the first deputy to enter, was immediately shot and trapped inside. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Link, 28, was a veteran of the Army Reserves and leaves behind a wife, Brittany.

Florida Deputy Killed, Two Hospitalized in Ambush Attack

Two other deputies, Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, and Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, were also shot during the incident. Gargano sustained gunshot wounds to the armpit and stomach, while Howell was shot in the shoulder.

Gargano underwent surgery overnight and was scheduled for a second surgery later that afternoon. His condition was listed as critical. Howell, who has served in Lake County since 2005, was in stable condition.

Florida Deputy Killed, Two Hospitalized in Ambush Attack

Both Gargano and Howell were injured while trying to rescue Link. Both were being treated at the HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford.

According to a statement released by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, "Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link died in the line of duty overnight heroically serving his community and fellow deputies after responding to a disturbance call in the northeast portion of our county in rural Eustis, during which two other deputies were also shot."

The statement continued, "Brad, as our Sheriff’s Office family knew him, touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with him; his contributions and the impact of this loss will not soon be forgotten."

Two people inside the home were found dead, but it was unclear whether they were killed by the deputies or in a murder-suicide. Another person was transported to the hospital.

No suspects have been arrested, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.

Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences and ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff to honor Link's service and sacrifice.

The incident has shaken the Lake County community, and a candlelight vigil was held in Link's memory on Saturday evening. Law enforcement agencies from across the state and country offered their support and condolences to the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the victims' families.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released in the coming days.