Lake County Sheriff's Office released harrowing details on Saturday about a deadly incident that unfolded on Friday, as deputies responded to a disturbance call in Eustis, Florida. Three suspects opened fire, ambushing the deputies and causing a devastating outcome.

According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived at a residence on Brookside Drive where a family of suspects lay in wait. The situation took a horrific turn when gunfire erupted, leaving three Lake County deputies wounded. Tragically, 28-year-old Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link lost his life in the line of duty. Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano remained hospitalized, with Gargano fighting for his life.

Describing the incident as a "real life nightmare," Lieutenant John Herrell, Public Information Officer for the Lake County Sheriff's Office, explained that the initial call was in response to a disturbance involving a woman who appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. The woman, who was reportedly speaking incoherently and attacking people, including her neighbors, was later Baker Acted for evaluation.

Disturbingly, after being Baker Acted, the woman made a request to deputies, asking them to check on her own home. Unbeknownst to the deputies, the residence harbored three armed suspects: the woman's husband and their two daughters. As deputies approached the house, they were met with a barrage of gunfire, resulting in Deputy Link being fatally wounded and Deputy Howell being shot in the arm.

In a courageous attempt to rescue Deputy Link, the Lake County Street Crimes Unit, accompanied by four SWAT officers, breached the home. However, during the operation, SWAT Officer Gargano was also injured, sustaining gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen.

Further investigation revealed that all three suspects had suffered what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Inside the bunker-like dwelling, investigators discovered a stockpile of firearms, ammunition, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and nonperishable food items, indicating the family's preparation for an apocalyptic event.

The identities of the suspects have not yet been released, but it was disclosed that the two female suspects were in their early 20s. Questions surround the motive behind the attack and whether the initial disturbance was a deliberate lure for the deputies.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate this shocking incident, piecing together the details and motives behind the family's anti-government ideology. As this tragic event unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Deputy Link and prays for the recovery of Deputies Howell and Gargano.

Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.