Off duty Florida corrections officer killed in "targeted attack" | Law Enforcement Today

BELLE GLADE, FL - Authorities with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO) said that an off-duty corrections officer was shot and killed in a "targeted attack." According to FOX35, deputies responded to reports of gunfire at 7:32 p.m. on Monday, February 10th, in the 1400 block of Northwest Avenue D.

PBSO confirmed that the victim has been identified as 39-year-old Basil Powell. Officials said that Powell was immediately fired upon as soon as he got out of his car. Upon arriving on scene, deputies said they discovered Powell, who was off duty at the time. Powell was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Powell had been with the agency for three years. He was assigned to the West Corrections Center after being hired in October 2021. During the evening hours on Monday, a ceremonial escort transported Powell's body from the hospital to the Medical Examiner's Office. 

In a press release, PBSP officials said, "PBSO, once again, stands together, honoring our deputy's memory and supporting his family, friends, and colleagues through this time of immense sorrow." Investigators said they believe the incident was not random and that it appears Powell was "targeted and ambushed" while returning home.

Officials also said that the incident was not related to Powell's role as a corrections officer. As of this writing, no details regarding a potential suspect or motive was released. The investigation remains active and ongoing. 

In a separate incident, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is investigating the alleged attempted homicide of a peace officer at one of its facilities. According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, February 9th, when an inmate, identified as Nelson Barrera reportedly attacked an officer with an improvised weapon.

Barrera allegedly stabbed the officer twice, striking the officer's protective vest. The officer managed to leave the area and call for assistance. Staff responded immediately and confined Barrera to his cell. The officer received medical treatment at the institution and is now recovering at home. 

Staff repeatedly told Barrera to drop the weapon, but instead he injured himself by punching a security window. Eventually, he handed over two improvised weapons and allowed himself to be handcuffed and treated by medical staff. Following the incident, Barrera was transferred to another facility. The incident is now under investigation. Barrera is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for second-degree murder and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death.