EUSTIS, FL – Three sheriff’s officers from Lake County were shot, and one lost his life while responding to a disturbance at a Florida residence. The deceased officer, 28-year-old Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, was reported dead by the sheriff’s office.
Another officer was shot in the shoulder but is reportedly in stable condition. The third deputy, critically wounded after being shot multiple times in the armpit, groin, and stomach, is in serious condition post-surgery, according to Sheriff Peyton Grinnell’s statements during a press conference.
The deputies were initially investigating a call about an ongoing disturbance. During their investigation, they received information about an issue occurring a few houses down, prompting them to respond. The deputies noted a kicked-in back door and sounds of disturbance emanating from a residence.
Upon entering, they were met by significant gunfire, resulting in the injury of one deputy. His colleague, the backup deputy, was able to escape the premises, leaving the first deputy stranded and critically hurt.
With a high likelihood of a rescue mission facing significant gunfire, multiple officers organized a team aimed at retrieving the wounded deputy from the house. Tragically, the operation was not successful, resulting in another deputy being injured.
Given the firepower exhibited, the situation necessitated the deployment of the SWAT team. Currently, there is no imminent threat to public safety as two of the people in the house are dead, with another’s condition unknown. Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene.
Master Deputy Link, who sadly lost his life, joined the sheriff’s office in 2019 following his tenure as an Army reservist and Polk County deputy sheriff. As the community mourns his loss, prayers extend to his wife, Brittany, and his parents, Christi and Daniel.