In a somber press conference, Sheriff Peyton Grinnell detailed the tragic events leading to the death of Master Deputy Bradley Link and the injury of Deputies Stefano Gargano and Harold Howell. The conference, led by Grinnell, State Attorney Bill Gladson, State Representative Keith Trunow, and detectives from the major crimes unit, revealed the arrest of 48-year-old Julie Sofizio for her role in the violent incident.

Sheriff Grinnell began by expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming community support during this difficult time.

“Thank you for the tremendous support from our community, from our clergy, to our restaurants,” he says.

This outpouring of solidarity has been instrumental in helping the sheriff’s office cope with the loss.

Grinnell provided a harrowing account of the incident, but highlighted the moment when suspect Julie Sofizio was transported to jail using Deputy Link’s handcuffs.

“I will tell you my Marines unit was joyful, too, because we used Master Deputy Link’s handcuffs and his patrol vehicle to transport her to the jail,” he says.

State Attorney Gladson emphasized the heroism of the deputies and outlined the legal proceedings ahead.

“The deputies and what you just heard is nothing short of heroism,” he says. “They are absolute heroes, and enough can’t be said about how they saved lives that night.”

The community’s continued support and prayers for the injured deputies, Deputy Gargano and Deputy Howell, who are on the path to recovery, were acknowledged.

“This agency is hurting, we’re hurting, but we’re going to get through this,” Grinnell says. “It takes more than just us, it takes our community, and the community’s doing that. I’m so thankful.”

He urged the public to remain vigilant and supportive, reaffirming the strength and unity of the community in the face of such tragedies.

“If you see something, say something,” he says. “That’s important. You see something that doesn’t seem right, call your local law enforcement. We’d rather come out, investigate it and be nothing instead of a week later, we’ve got another situation like this.”