GIFFORD — An attempt by an unknown shooter to fire at deputies during a traffic stop was caught on video, according to an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The deputies stopped the vehicle about 11:30 p.m. July 28 on 32nd Avenue near the 45th Street intersection in Gifford. Two deputies that were backup spoke to the passengers of the vehicle while a third deputy conducted his investigation on the driver’s license and vehicle registration, the release states.
In the dashboard camera footage, two shots that sound like loud “pops” were fired at the deputies at the stop.
The law enforcement officers established a perimeter, but did not find the shooter. They found two shell casings and abandoned cell phones, the release states.
The shooter is believed to have been standing behind a nearby grocery store, firing on deputies.
“This is an ambush style shooting as our deputies were focused on their tasks during this stop,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said in the release. “We will not tolerate this conduct and will investigate every lead trying to identify the person who fired on our deputies Friday night.”
No injuries were reported and no bullet holes were found in any agency vehicles.
Anyone with information on the incident or the shooter should contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS or tcwatch.org. Callers can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.