EUSTIS, FL- Authorities have identified Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link as the officer killed in an ambush shooting in Eustis, Florida. The tragic event occurred on Friday night when Link and other deputies responded to a disturbance call. This incident also resulted in the wounding of two additional deputies.
The shooting unfolded when deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at around 8:00 p.m. Initially directed to one home, they were soon redirected to another where they found a door that appeared to have been forcibly opened. Upon entering the residence, the deputies were met with heavy gunfire. One deputy was shot and became trapped inside while the other retreated to call for backup.
As more officers arrived and formed a team to enter the house, they were met with another round of intense gunfire. During this attempt to retrieve the trapped deputy, Link was fatally shot. Two other deputies sustained injuries: one with a shoulder wound in stable condition, and another with multiple serious injuries to the armpit, groin, and stomach area, currently in critical condition following surgery.
The SWAT team was called in to assist in the rescue operation. Using heavy equipment, they managed to breach the home, which resulted in significant structural damage. Inside, they found two suspects dead and a third wounded, who was subsequently transported to a hospital and later died from injuries.
Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell noted that there was no prior history of violent crime at the location, and nothing initially indicated that the deputies would face such a dangerous situation. Multiple firearms, including long guns and handguns, were found at the scene.
Bradley Michael Link, 28, had a notable career and a strong connection to law enforcement. He first joined the county sheriff’s office as a young Explorer and later served in the Army reserves. In 2017, he was hired as a deputy sheriff in Polk County before transferring to the Lake County sheriff's office in October 2019.
Sheriff Grinnell praised Link's dedication and impact, stating that he "heroically served his community and fellow deputies" and "touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with." Link's death marks a significant loss for the department and the community he served.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. The loss of Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link has left a profound impact on the Lake County community and his fellow officers. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ambush and are working to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.
The shooting unfolded when deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at around 8:00 p.m. Initially directed to one home, they were soon redirected to another where they found a door that appeared to have been forcibly opened. Upon entering the residence, the deputies were met with heavy gunfire. One deputy was shot and became trapped inside while the other retreated to call for backup.
As more officers arrived and formed a team to enter the house, they were met with another round of intense gunfire. During this attempt to retrieve the trapped deputy, Link was fatally shot. Two other deputies sustained injuries: one with a shoulder wound in stable condition, and another with multiple serious injuries to the armpit, groin, and stomach area, currently in critical condition following surgery.
The SWAT team was called in to assist in the rescue operation. Using heavy equipment, they managed to breach the home, which resulted in significant structural damage. Inside, they found two suspects dead and a third wounded, who was subsequently transported to a hospital and later died from injuries.
Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell noted that there was no prior history of violent crime at the location, and nothing initially indicated that the deputies would face such a dangerous situation. Multiple firearms, including long guns and handguns, were found at the scene.
Bradley Michael Link, 28, had a notable career and a strong connection to law enforcement. He first joined the county sheriff’s office as a young Explorer and later served in the Army reserves. In 2017, he was hired as a deputy sheriff in Polk County before transferring to the Lake County sheriff's office in October 2019.
Sheriff Grinnell praised Link's dedication and impact, stating that he "heroically served his community and fellow deputies" and "touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with." Link's death marks a significant loss for the department and the community he served.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. The loss of Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link has left a profound impact on the Lake County community and his fellow officers. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ambush and are working to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.
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