Fla. deputy critically wounded after shootout
PORT ST. JOHN, Fla. — A Brevard County Sheriff's Office deputy was critically wounded after he was shot late Thursday night in what was described as an ambush here.
The deputy, identified Friday as Agent John "Casey" Smith, was shot multiple times and underwent several surgeries for extensive injuries. His conditions is listed as critical and unstable.
The suspect in the shooting, identified as John Franklin Derossett, 65, also was wounded after officers returned fire. Derossett remains hospitalized and is listed in stable condition, Cpl. Dave Jacobs said.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who described the shooting as an ambush, said the suspect opened fire on deputies as they approached the house Thursday. Deputies returned fire and a SWAT team and robot helped clear the residence.
Ivey said deputies were wearing clearly marked tactical vests and were in the neighborhood responding to complaints of prostitution.
The sheriff's office and Titusville police officers arrested Mary Ellyn Ellis, 42. Ellis, who was at the residence at the time of the shooting, was charged with soliciting another for prostitution, a misdemeanor. She is being held on $500 bond in the Brevard County Jail.
Derossett is related to Ellis.
Smith, an award-winning deputy, has been with the sheriff's office since 2009 and is an investigative agent in the criminal investigations division.
"I couldn't have been more proud of our team and community for the incredible support for Agent Smith and his family during this difficult time," Ivey said in a news release Friday. "Our BCFR partners were incredible as they did everything possible to provide Casey with a fighting chance! Our BCSO family has Casey in our thoughts and prayers and we ask that tonight you hold him in your prayers as well."
Other deputies involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been notified of the shooting and will be conducting a parallel investigation.