TRENTON, FL. — Two sheriff’s deputies were “senselessly killed” in the line of duty Thursday, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said.
The deputies with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office came under fire while sitting inside of the ‘Ace China Restaurant’–the suspected shooter is also reportedly dead.
The Sheriff’s Office tweeted: ‘GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has suffered a terrible tragedy. Please avoid the area of SR 26 from the red light to the area of subway. No suspects are at large. Further updates will be posted later.’
A Gilchrist County sergeant told WJXT it was ‘an active-shooter situation that has ended and there is no longer a threat to the community.’
The department later issued the following news release: At approximately 3:00pm this afternoon, two Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs were shot and killed in the Ace China restaurant in downtown Trenton, after a suspect walked up to business and shot both deputies through the window. As fellow deputies responded to the scene, they found the shooter deceased outside the business, and both Deputy Sheriffs where they died of their wounds.
At this point, it remains an active criminal investigation with no apparent motive or indications as to why this tragedy occurred. Sheriff Bobby Schultz has been on scene throughout the afternoon with his deputies and their families, notifying additional loved ones, and will be speaking to the media at 7:00pm EDT.
“The daily risk that law enforcement officers take to protect our communities is overwhelming,” Bondi said. “My deepest condolences and prayers are with their families as they mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones. May their families, friends and fellow officers find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.”
GILCHRIST COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has suffered a terrible tragedy. Please avoid the area of SR 26 from the red light to the area of subway. No suspects are at large. Further updates will be posted later.
— Gilchrist Co Sheriff (@GCSOFlorida) April 19, 2018
FDLE agents are responding to a shooting scene in Trenton, Gilchrist County. All of our thoughts are with @GCSOFlorida and the many responding agencies at this time.
— FDLE (@fdlepio) April 19, 2018
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere condolences to the two Gilchrist County, FL deputies shot and killed in the line of duty today. Thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, and the entire Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. @GCSOFlorida pic.twitter.com/qVsInjWhiF
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) April 19, 2018
BREAKING: 2 Sheriff’s Deputies killed in shootout in Trenton, Florida. The gunman is also reportedly dead. It apparently happened in front of a restaurant – WJXT
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 19, 2018
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