Veteran Officers Ambushed by Car

Tragedy Strikes as Two Florida Officers Die, One Critically Injured in Highway Accident

Two veteran officers in Florida have died, and a third is fighting for his life after a car crashed into them on the side of the highway.

Accident Details

On Thursday, November 21, Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller, and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz were conducting traffic enforcement on Southern Boulevard when the tragedy occurred. The accident happened in the area of State Road 80 west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Boulevard at 9:29 a.m. local time.

Loss of Life

Paez and Waller died in the accident, while Diaz is critically injured and fighting for his life. "It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of two of our own," the sheriff’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Officer Profiles

Corporal Luis Paez dedicated over 36 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career at PBSO in January 1988 as a Corrections Deputy. He later moved to Road Patrol and served passionately as a motor deputy for more than 20 years.

Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller served with distinction for over 18 years in the motor unit, having started his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it merged with PBSO in October 2008.

Investigation

The sheriff’s office is investigating the incident with the Florida Highway Patrol. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver was not impaired, and the accident was caused by the driver overcompensating and getting off the road.

Community Reaction

The community is mourning the loss of the two officers, with friends and colleagues paying tribute to their dedication and service. "When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them," Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. "It’s tough."

Next Steps

The funeral for the two deceased officers is expected to take place next week. The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident sustained minor injuries and has been cooperating with the investigation.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of these two officers serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Corporal Paez, Deputy Sheriff Waller, and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, as well as Deputy Diaz, who is fighting for his life in the hospital.

FAQs

Q: What happened in the accident?
A: A car crashed into three motor officers who were conducting traffic enforcement on the side of the highway, killing two and critically injuring the third.

Q: Who were the officers involved?
A: Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller, and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz.

Q: What is the status of the driver involved in the accident?
A: The driver sustained minor injuries and has been cooperating with the investigation.

Q: How can I support the families and loved ones of the officers?
A: The community is invited to share their condolences and offer support on social media and through local news outlets.