EOW 02-28-2013
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant Gary Morales
35
13 years
Gunfire
Suspect: In Custody
A St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office deputy has died this morning after being shot during a traffic stop this morning, authorities say.
Sgt. Gary Morales, 35, made a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Naylor Terrace in unincorporated St. Lucie County about 9:30 a.m. During the stop, a suspect got out of his vehicle and shot the deputy, who was in his patrol car.
The sergeant was taken to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center where he later died.
Morales was a 13-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, said St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Mascara said.
Authorities say they have a suspect in custody.
