Highlands deputy in critical condition after shooting

LAKE PLACID (FOX 13) - An investigation is underway after a deputy with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office was shot Sunday night.

The deputy, William Gentry, was responding to a call about a cat that was shot on Baltimore Way in Lake Placid. Gentry went to speak with a neighbor, Joseph Edward Ables, who was suspected of shooting the cat. Ables shot Gentry at his front door just before 8:00 p.m.

Ables was taken into custody. 

"William is an experienced law enforcement officer and serves as one of our Field Training Deputies," Sheriff Paul Blackman said. "His brother is one of our detectives. This is an unimaginable tragedy for our agency. Our prayers are with Deputy Gentry and his family."

The deputy was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital and is listed in critical condition. 

No other details have been released at this time.

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