HIGHLAND COUNTY, Florida -- A 40-year-old Florida sheriff's deputy who was shot in the head on Sunday while responding to a dispute over a cat has died.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon, “It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Deputy William J. Gentry Jr. passed away at 1:10 p.m. today, May 7, at Lee Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries.”
The post on the agency’s Facebook page continued,“Please keep his family and our HCSO family in your prayers. We will release details about the services as soon as we have them.”
Earlier, the sheriff’s office said deputy Gentry was critically wounded while responding to a dispute between neighbors over a cat that had been shot.
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman explained to reporters what allegedly happened. Blackman said that after speaking with the cat's owner, Gentry approached the man suspected of shooting the cat, 69-year-old Joseph Edward Ables, at his Lake Placid front door.
“Things turned frighteningly ugly when Ables then allegedly shot Gentry in the head shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday. The 40-year-old deputy was airlifted to a hospital,” Topic Pulse reported.
Gov. Rick Scott released a statement on Gentry’s death.
“Each day, Florida’s brave men and women in law enforcement selflessly place the safety of others above their own. Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken,” Scott said. “Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement.
“I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentry’s family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe.”
Before Gentry’s death, the Sheriff’s Office had said that Ables had been charged with: “Attempted first degree murder without premeditation; Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; Resisting an officer with violence; Tampering with evidence; Violation of probation.”
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