St Lucie County Sheriff's Sergeant Gary Morales, 35, was shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday morning during a traffic stop, St Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara said.
According to the sheriff's office report, Morales with other deputies pulled over a car on Edwards Road around 9 a.m. When Sgt. Morales was in the patrol vehicle, the man in the stopped car got out and shot Sgt. Morales, deputies said.
Sgt. Morales was rushed to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute where he died later this morning. The shooter is in custody.
Sgt. Morales has served with the Sheriff's office for 13 years. He was promoted to Sergeant in January.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," Sheriff Mascara said.
"My sympathies go out to the family and colleagues of St. Lucie County Sheriff's Sgt. Gary Morales," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. "His death is yet another tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to protect us."
Friday, May 24 2013 9:57 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:57:07 GMT
A 4-year-old K9 Officer, Ike, with Hernando County Sheriff Office K9 Unit passed away unexpectedly Thursday after an emergency surgery, Sheriff Al Nienhuis told us.
A 4-year-old K9 Officer, Ike, with Hernando County Sheriff Office K9 Unit passed away unexpectedly Thursday after an emergency surgery, Sheriff Al Nienhuis told us.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:44:14 GMT
Craft breweries from around the country including Tampa's Cigar City Brewing are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime - baseball bats.
Craft breweries from around the country including Tampa's Cigar City Brewing are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime - baseball bats.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:44:05 GMT
Whether the controversial Lens is ever constructed, the current St. Petersburg Pier is closing. This is the last weekend you can stroll along the iconic landmark or shop inside the inverted pyramid.
Whether the controversial Lens is ever constructed, the current St. Petersburg Pier is closing. This is the last weekend you can stroll along the iconic landmark or shop inside the inverted pyramid.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:34:55 GMT
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
Friday, May 24 2013 12:13 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:13:39 GMT
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:05:38 GMT
WSLS is working together with Southwest Virginia relief organizations to collect supplies for victims of the EF-5 tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma.
List of local relief groups collecting tornado help for Oklahoma
Friday, May 24 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:57:19 GMT
Vendors at the Farmers Market in Downtown Roanoke are hoping for a strong summer after some difficult years. The two year construction project revamping Center in the Square proved costly for these vendors
Two years of construction on Center in the Square proved difficult for farmers market vendors.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:57:10 GMT
With Center in the Square now open to the public, Roanoke's economic development team wants to use it as a centerpiece to attract new businesses. Economic Development Director Wayne Bowers said he sells
Economic Development Director Wayne Bowers is marketing to Roanoke to new businesses by selling the downtown area.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:56 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:56:55 GMT
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Virginia Tech's governing board has appointed a search committee to find a replacement for retiring president Charles Steger. Steger announced earlier this month he would retire
The 22-member committee It includes members of the board, faculty and students.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:56 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:56:06 GMT
A Roanoke County Schools spokesman tells WSLS that both William Byrd Middle School and William Byrd High School have been placed on lockdown after the advice of Roanoke County Police that a suspicious
The lockdown for William Byrd High School and Middle School has been lifted.
