BELLE GLADE, Fla. – An off-duty Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy was killed Monday night in a shooting, authorities confirmed.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of Northwest Avenue D in Belle Glade.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found the victim, Corrections Deputy Basil Powell, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was immediately transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he died shortly after arriving.
Detectives believe the shooting was targeted, and that Powell, 39, was followed home before being ambushed while getting out of his vehicle.
Detectives do not believe that the shooting was related to Powell’s job as a corrections deputy.
Authorities said Powell had been with the agency for three years.
“PBSO once again stands together, honoring our deputy’s memory and supporting his family, friends, and colleagues through this time of immense sorrow,” a statement from the agency read in part.
Detectives have not released any information about the shooter.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
