Deputy killed and 2 others injured in ambush shooting at Florida home

Eustis, FL – A tragic and violent confrontation unfolded in Eustis, Florida, on Friday night, leaving one deputy dead and two others injured in what authorities are calling an "ambush" shooting. The incident occurred as deputies from the Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to a disturbance call, only to be met with a barrage of gunfire.

The sequence of events began around 8 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to a residence on Brookside Drive following reports of a physical disturbance. Upon arrival, the deputies were directed to a nearby home where additional issues were reportedly occurring. Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell detailed the harrowing events during a press briefing early Saturday morning.

"When the deputies entered the home, there was a lot of gunfire," Grinnell said. The first deputy to enter the residence was immediately shot and became trapped inside, while his partner managed to retreat and call for backup. As additional officers arrived and formed a rescue team to retrieve the trapped deputy, they too were met with intense gunfire.

The deputy who was initially trapped, identified as Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, did not survive his injuries. Link, 28, had a distinguished career, having served in the Army Reserves before joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office in 2019. "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," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Two other deputies were injured in the rescue attempt. One deputy sustained a shoulder wound and is reported to be in stable condition. The third deputy was hit multiple times in the armpit, groin, and stomach area and is currently undergoing surgery. Sheriff Grinnell did not immediately release the names of the injured deputies.

The situation escalated further when the SWAT team was deployed to enter the home. "We have equipment for that and that's the reason we have this equipment, and we tore the home apart to get in there so we could get that deputy out of there," Grinnell explained. The SWAT team discovered two suspects dead inside the home, while a third suspect was transported to a hospital. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, and the circumstances of their deaths—whether by law enforcement or other means—remain unclear.

The sheriff emphasized that there was no prior indication that the situation would turn violent. "There was no history of violent crime at the home and nothing to indicate the situation would be dangerous," he said. "They were ambushed."

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the incident. FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass expressed his condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and Lake County Sheriff's Office after the tragic death of a deputy last night. We pray for them and for a speedy recovery for those injured."

The community has been deeply affected by the loss. Sheriff Grinnell noted the overwhelming support from various law enforcement agencies, including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). "You know, when a law enforcement officer is shot, especially here in the state of Florida, you don't have to ask for help. They show up!" he remarked.

This incident marks the first death of a Lake County deputy in the line of duty since February 2005, underscoring the rarity and severity of such events in the community. As the investigation continues, the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the broader law enforcement community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer and hope for the swift recovery of the injured deputies.

The tragic events in Eustis serve as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the sacrifices they make to protect their communities.