News Treasure Coast Region Indian River County

Actions

Locksmith injured in fatal eviction shooting dies, family confirms

David Long was a local longtime locksmith who worked with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Kaitlyn Cerda

Family members say he assisted the Vero Beach community for three decades.

By: Zitlali Solache

Posted

and last updated

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A local locksmith died Sunday from wounds he sustained Friday while he was helping Indian River County deputies serve an eviction notice.

Family members of David Long, 76, tell WPTV he died at the hospital at 2:41 p.m.

WATCH BELOW: Locksmith dies after fatal eviction shooting

Locksmith dies after fatal eviction shooting in Indian River County

Long was a longtime locksmith who worked with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Long was injured during Friday’s eviction-related shooting that also claimed the life of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow and injured Deputy Florentino Arizpe, who was released from the hospital Sunday.

His niece, Kaitlyn Cerda, sent a statement to WPTV saying:

“My uncle was a fun, hard-working man who brought energy and laughter everywhere he went. He cared deeply for his family and worked tirelessly to support the people he loved. He will be missed more than words can say.”

Family members and friends added that Long assisted the Vero Beach community for three decades.

"I feel so bad for him. He was such a wonderful person," said longtime customer and friend Dory Leshe-Brant. "I’m shocked that a routine thing got so out of hand. This poor man was doing his job, the deputy was doing her job.”

Read more of WPTV's coverage below: