TRENTON, Fla. (WTXL) - The Two Gilchrist County deputies who were shot and killed in a suspected ambush have been identified.
During a press conference Thursday night, Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz identified the slain deputies as 30-year-old Sgt. Noel Ramirez, a seven-year-veteran, and 25-year-old Deputy Taylor Lindsey, a three-year-veteran.
The gunman was later identified as John Hubert Highnote, 59, of Bell.
TRENTON, Fla. (WTXL) - Two Gilchrist County deputies have been shot and killed in a suspected ambush.
According to the Holmes County Sheriff's Office, two deputies from the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office were killed in a suspected ambush on S.R. 26 and East Wade Street.
According to a press release sent out by the Sheriff Bobby Schultz and the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 3 p.m. Thursday 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.
Multiple North Florida sheriff's offices and the Florida Sheriff's Association are asking for prayers for the deputies, their families, and the entire Gilchrist County community.
A suspect has not been identified though Gilchrist County deputies say "no suspects are at large."
Governor Rick Scott says that he has been briefed on the shooting:
I was just briefed by @GCSOFlorida Sheriff Bobby Schultz on today’s shooting. I know @FDLEPIO is on scene and I’ve offered any state support they may need.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) April 19, 2018
Governor Rick Scott also made the following statement Thursday evening regarding the shooting:
“My wife, Ann, and I are heartbroken by the loss of two law enforcement officers in Trenton. I have spoken with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office and committed all available state resources they may need. I have also been briefed by FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen who has officers on the scene. It is true evil for anyone to hurt a law enforcement officer, and in Florida, we have zero tolerance for violence, especially against the police. Tonight, I ask every Floridian to honor these law enforcement officers, their brothers and sisters in uniform and their families. May God bless those who work to keep our communities safe.”
Other Florida leaders are also reacting to the news:
My heart breaks with the tragic news of two Gilchrist County deputies that were senselessly killed today while in the line of duty. My deepest condolences and prayers are with their families as they mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones. https://t.co/8oFSbMIDRw
— Fla. AG Pam Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 19, 2018
Officials from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the State Attorney’s Office have all responded to the area to assist.
This is a developing story.
