3 Lake County Deputies Shot in Eustis; Suspect Still at Large, Says LCSO

Three deputies from the Lake County Sheriff's Office were shot on Friday night near Eustis, Florida. Officials said the suspected shooter is still at large.

Two deputies were taken to HCA Monroe Hospital in Sanford. One had surgery for gunshot wounds to the arm and stomach. The second was shot in the arm. A third deputy was flown to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares. The hospitals haven't released details about their conditions.

Law enforcement officers were seen hugging and standing outside both hospitals. The incident happened on Brookside Drive. However, officials have not provided details on what led to the shooting or why the deputies were there.

FOX 35 has asked many times for updates from the Lake County Sheriff's Office and Lake County Fire Rescue. A spokesperson from the Sheriff's Office described the scene as busy and not safe, and the suspect is still out there. Deputies at the scene told FOX 35 crews to stay away, and several roads were closed for hours during the investigation.

Few details about the alleged shooter have been shared. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office confirmed the scene was busy, and the suspect was not caught. No information was given about the suspect's description or if law enforcement was actively looking for them.

Jim Ironhorse, a local resident, saw the event. He described hearing many gunshots and seeing several law enforcement vehicles arrive shortly after. "There were multiple gunshots coming from across the street," Ironhorse said. "It started with small guns and then went full auto, which is unusual here. There's always gunfire in this rural area, but this was different."

Ironhorse also saw SWAT teams entering the area. "I heard two more shots fired. I don't know what came of that, but it was right across the street," he added.

The investigation is ongoing, and more updates are expected as officials share further information.