PORT ST. JOHN, Fla. – A Brevard County deputy was shot and critically injured Thursday night during a prostitution investigation, Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.
Investigative Agent John "Casey" Smith was shot during the incident, which began as an investigation into complaints of prostitution at a home on Covina Street in Port St. John.
As investigators approached the home to take a woman into custody, a man inside the home opened fire, hitting Smith several times, authorities said. Smith returned fire, striking the suspect, according to officials.
Smith, who has been with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office since August 2009, was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery. He was listed in critical condition.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and the Sheriff's Office family at this time," Ivey said during a news conference.
Officials said Smith has been awarded with multiple letters of appreciation, commendable service awards, a deputy of the month and a meritorious award.
The suspected gunman, identified by authorities as John Franklin Derossett, 65, of Cocoa, was also taken to a hospital. He was listed in stable condition. He has no local arrest history, deputies said.
A woman who was at the home at the time of the shooting, identified as Mary Ellyn Derossett, a 42-year-old relative of John Derossett, was arrested on prostitution charges. She was arrested last month for the same offense and has a previous history of domestic violence and drug and alcohol-related offenses, deputies said.
The Sheriff's Office said agents Peter Stead and Agent Jason Roberts assisted in the incident. All three deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in law enforcement shootings.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate.