By Elliott Jones
Treasure Coast Newspapers
GIFFORD, Fla. — During a traffic stop Friday night, an unidentified bystander fired two shots, possibly aimed at two Indian River County sheriff’s deputies, sheriff’s officials said Monday.
No one was injured. Afterward, investigators couldn’t find the assailant.
“This year has been exceedingly dangerous for our local law enforcement,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said. “This is an ambush-style shooting as our deputies were focused on their tasks during this stop.”
“We will not tolerate this conduct,” he said, appealing for public help in finding the assailant.
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Sheriff’s spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers said the traffic stop was routine and had nothing to do with the gunfire.
The incident started 11:30 p.m. when Deputy Chad Sharpeta stopped a car near Smith’s Grocery Store on 32nd Avenue near 45th Street.
Two other deputies were on scene as backup and were speaking to the passengers.
Two gunshots rang out, “which are believed to have been aimed at deputies on the stop,” according to a sheriff’s news release. No bullet holes were found in any sheriff’s vehicles.
Investigators found two shell casings along with a cellphone nearby.
The shooter is believed to have been standing behind the grocery store, officials said.
This year the Sheriff’s Office has been running Operation Safe Streets in Gifford, an area that sheriff’s officials have said occupies much of their time.
The program began Feb. 20 and targets felons, people with warrants outstanding, and people causing problems in the community. Many of the arrests happened after deputies made traffic stops.
Anyone with information about Friday night’s incident is asked to call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477) or www.tcwatch.org. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $3,000 reward.
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©2017 the Treasure Coast Newspapers (Stuart, Fla.)