A Florida sheriff’s deputy was murdered in what authorities are calling an ambush killing; two other cops were wounded while trying to reach him after he was pinned down in the gunfire. The ambush happened after responding to a domestic disturbance call. The deputy’s identity has now been disclosed.
Sheriff Peyton Grinnell of Lake County said on Saturday via the department’s Facebook page that Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link passed away heroically serving his community and fellow deputies following Friday night’s gunshots at a residence in rural Eustis.
According to Grinnell, two deputies were sent to one residence after receiving a disturbance complaint at about 8 p.m. They were then led to another residence, where they discovered what looked like a kicked-in door.
That is when shots began to be fired. Link was hit and trapped inside; two suspects were dead, and a third was injured.
Responding backup police tore the home apart to get in and free Link, according to Grinnell, who added that members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team reentered the residence in Eustis, which is located around 37 miles (59 kilometers) northwest of Orlando.
Before the cops “were ambushed,” he claimed, the area had no signs of danger or history of violent crime. He said that authorities discovered a plethora of weapons, including both long guns and pistols.
After surgery, one wounded deputy was described as being in critical condition after being struck many times in the armpit, groin, and stomach area. The second deputy was in stable condition, sustaining a bullet wound to his shoulder.
After serving in the Army reserves and becoming an Explorer with the county sheriff’s office, 28-year-old Link was employed in 2017 as a Polk County deputy sheriff. His official position as a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office in Lake County began in October 2019.
According to Grinnell, ”Link was simply known as ‘Brad’ at the office, and he touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with him. He quickly became part of the family and faithfully served citizens with courage and zeal.”
Grinnell said that Brad Link’s contributions would not soon be forgotten.