Off-duty Florida corrections deputy shot, killed in targeted attack: officials

Off-duty Florida deputy killed in 'targeted' shooting: officials

An off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) corrections deputy was fatally shot Monday evening in what authorities are calling a targeted attack.

ORLANDO, Fla. -  Update (Feb. 11): The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has identified the Florida deputy who was shot and killed overnight in an apparent "targeted" ambush at his home. PBSO said Corrections Deputy Basil Powell was off-duty at the time of the shooting.  

"It appears that our off-duty Deputy, Basil Powell, was targeted and ambushed while returning home. As he exited his vehicle, he was immediately fired upon. This incident is not related to his role as a Corrections Deputy," PBSO said in a news release. Read our updated story here.

Original story:

An off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) corrections deputy was fatally shot Monday evening in what authorities are calling a targeted attack.

What we know:

Deputies responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 7:32 p.m. in the 1400 block of Northwest Avenue D. Upon arrival, they discovered the wounded deputy, 39, who had served with the agency for three years. 

The deputy was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

PBSO officials confirmed that the deputy was off duty at the time of the shooting. 

Investigators believe the incident was not random but a targeted act.

A ceremonial escort occurred overnight, transporting the deputy’s body from St. Mary’s Medical Center to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

What we don't know:

No details regarding potential suspects or motives have been released as the investigation remains ongoing. The sheriff’s office has not yet released the deputy’s name.