BELLE GLADE, FL – A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy was tragically killed in an ambush outside his home in Belle Glade, Florida, early this morning. The sheriff’s office identified the victim as Deputy Basil Powell, a corrections officer who had been with the department since October 2021.
Deputy Powell, 39, was returning home when he was targeted and shot multiple times. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Northwest Avenue D and 14th Street. Authorities confirmed that the attack was unrelated to his duties as a corrections officer at the West Correctional Facility.
Neighbors in the area reported hearing approximately ten gunshots, but many were hesitant to speak on camera due to safety concerns. Deputy Powell was quickly transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the shooting, searching for both the perpetrator and a possible motive. Officials have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, emphasizing the community’s role in helping solve this case.
The loss of Deputy Powell comes as a significant blow to the department, still reeling from the loss of three deputies nearly three months ago. Those deputies, Ignacio Diaz, Ralph “Butch” Waller, and Luis Pies, were killed in a separate incident when an SUV struck them while they were on duty.
In a somber procession late last night, Deputy Powell’s colleagues gathered at the medical examiner’s office, paying their respects to a fellow officer who was described as dedicated and well-respected.
As the investigation continues, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is determined to bring those responsible to justice. The community remains on edge, grappling with the shock of a violent crime in their neighborhood.
This tragic event underscores the risks law enforcement officers face, even when off duty, and highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring their safety.