TAVARES, FL (352today.com) – Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Master Deputy Harold Howell was released from the hospital Tuesday, Aug. 6.

He gave a grin and a thumbs up as he walked out with one arm in a sling. He was greeted by a round of cheers and applause.

Howell was one of three LCSO deputies the agency says were ambushed and shot on Friday, Aug. 2, in Eustis.

The incident claimed the life of 28-year-old Master Deputy Bradley Link.

Master Deputy Stefano Gargano remains hospitalized and was last reported in stable condition after his fourth surgery Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The Lake County sheriff says 28-year-old Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link served his community with “courage” and zeal.” Courtesy: LCSO
LCSO says 28-year-old Stefano Gargano was the third deputy shot. His injury came when a team tried to rescue Deputy Link. Courtesy: LCSO

Howell, 41, was shot in his wrist and arm and has had two operations since. He’s now recovering and resting at home and issued a statement expressing gratitude to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office family for their unending love and support.

“To everyone in Lake County, as well as state and even nationwide- I have seen and heard your prayers, love, and support. I want to thank each and every one of you,” said Howell in a written statement. “Please continue to support the family and friends of Deputies Link and Gargano through this most difficult time.”

Eustis woman arrested in connection with attack

On Monday, Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said the department arrested 48-year-old Julie Ann Sulpizio in connection with the attack on his officers.

The sheriff says Sulpizio claimed she was God and that her husband 49-year-old Michael Sulpizio unleashed a hail of gunfire on the deputies as they entered the couple’s home on Friday evening.

The sheriff says the standoff came to an end when the SWAT team stormed the Sulpizio home. Inside, they found Michael and Julie Ann’s two adult daughters dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

|RELATED: Outpouring of community support for fallen Lake County deputy, two others recovering from ambush attack

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for Master Deputy Bradley Link will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. at Real Life Christian Church, 1501 Steve’s Road in Clermont. The service will also be live streamed for those who are not able to attend in person. There will be no viewing nor internment.