2 BSO deputies shot

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http://cbs4.com/local/local_story_316110630.html



(CBS4) TAMARAC A Broward County Sheriff’s deputy was killed late Saturday night, and a second deputy was wounded, in a traffic stop investigators say turned into an ambush. The deputies were shot with their guns still in their holster. 1 person has been arrested, and a manhunt is underway for a second suspect.

Six-year veteran Deputy Brian Tephford was killed, and Deputy Corey Carbocci, who has been with BSO for 3 years, was wounded but is expected to survive.

The shooting happened about 11 p.m. Saturday, as Deputy Tephford was working what BSO terms a ‘special detail’ at the Versalles Gardens Condominium in Tamarac.

Investigators say Tephford reported he was making a traffic stop in the 8800 block of West Colony Circle, and following standard practice, radioed to request a backup. Dispatchers sent Deputy Carbocci to help.

Investigators say shortly after Deputy Carbocci arrived at the stop, both officers were shot. Tephford was hit twice, while Carbocci was hit 4 times. Nearby residents say they heard a lot of shots.

“Clack, clack, clack-clack-clack. More than ten shots, definitely,” witness Greg Wallen told CBS4 News. “I mean, there were a barrage of shots, so I mean someone got trigger happy.”

Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne indicated the men apparently were ambushed by whoever was inside the Geo Metro stopped by the officers.

“Both deputies’ guns were holstered. They were not drawn, they were in the locked position,” said Jenne. “It would appear they were taken totally by surprise by this shooting.”

Paramedics who responded to the officer-down call rushed both deputies to Broward General Medical Center. Deputy Carbocci, who was wearing his protective vest as he approached the car, is expected to make a complete recovery.

Deputy Tephford was not wearing his vest, and was pronounced dead less than an hour after the shooting.

BSO investigators say they don’t know way the more experienced Tephford was not wearing his protective gear.

Sheriff Jenne says that’s just one of the questions investigators are trying to answer.

“Brian was a very young and enthusiastic person, someone that I swore in. He is a person who showed a lot of interest. A lot of people cared a great deal about him. It is going to be a tragic loss.”

Tephford was the father of three young children. Carbocci has four children, including a stepson who is also a BSO deputy.

Outside the medical center, colleagues of the slain officers could be seen hugging in grief. An escort of BSO deputies walked with Tephford’s body as it was taken from the hospital early Sunday morning.

BSO investigators say one person has been taken into custody, and the search continues for a second man, 38-year-old Keith S. Smith. Investigators have not identified the man in custody, or said why they are searching for Smith.

If only he had been wearing his vest... what a terrible shame.

Please everyone be safe and wear your vests, it's not worth taking the chance of not wearing it.

My thoughts and prayers and with his family and everyone at the BSO. :cry:

I just want to say that I was there that night assisting in the search for the suspects. And although it was a very unfortunate incident, It was a great feeling to know that there was no limit to the amount of resources that were deployed in this manhunt. I felt very proud to be an fficer.

Vest wouldn't have made a difference here.