Man in custody in fatal shooting of Fla. deputy during traffic stop, 2 others questioned

Sunday, November 12th 2006, 8:52 pm

By: News On 6

TAMARAC, Fla. (AP) Authorities on Sunday arrested a man they say fatally shot a sheriff's deputy the night before, and were questioning two other suspects in the attack that left another officer wounded.

Broward County sheriff's officials did not immediately provide details about the arrest of Eloyn Ingraham, 28, of Sunrise, but alleged he killed Deputy Brian Tephford late Saturday after Tephford made a traffic stop in suburban Fort Lauderdale.

``Brian's killer is in custody,'' Sheriff Ken Jenne said, his voice breaking during a televised news conference. ``This was a heartless, cold-blooded assassination.''

Ingraham and the two other male suspects had not been charged by Sunday evening.

Authorities said the two suspects being questioned were seen in surveillance video with Ingraham, running past security cameras at a Sunrise strip mall. The three men had abandoned a vehicle near the strip mall, authorities said.

The sheriff's office did not immediately release additional details about the men.

Authorities said Tephford called for back up minutes after making the traffic stop and Deputy Corey Carbocci was dispatched to the scene. Shortly after, both deputies were fired upon but neither had a chance to fire his weapon, according to the sheriff's office.

``It would appear that they were taken totally by surprise by this shooting,'' Jenne said.

Tephford, 34, a six-year veteran of the department, was shot twice and pronounced dead early Sunday. It was not immediately known if he was wearing a protective vest.

Carbocci, 37, who was wearing a protective vest, was shot four times and was listed in stable but guarded condition at Broward General Medical Center, according to the sheriff's office.

Veda Coleman-Wright, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said it was unclear what prompted the initial traffic stop and would not disclose any other details.