POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Three men were arrested on attempted murder charges and are accused of beating up a Florida wildlife officer.

What You Need To Know

  • FWC officer attacked late Saturday, authorities said

  • Officer was responding to reports of illegal hunting in Avon Park Bombing Range property

  • Polk Sheriff Grady Judd says third and final suspect caught

“When you attack one law enforcement officer - you have attacked all law enforcement officers,” Sheriff Grady Judd said Monday while discussing what happened.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the officer was patrolling the Avon Park Bombing Range when he spotted three people shining a spotlight into the property.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said information had been received about illegal poaching in the area.

Upon arrival the FWC officer heard gun shots and saw the three men on ATVs. He took two firearms from them; shortly after he was jumped and mowed down by their ATVs, according to investigators.

Over 100 officers showed up to investigate.

“When we got to the scene- we found a cell phone,” Judd said. The third of the three suspects was taken into custody Monday.

Hunting with a gun and spotlight at night is illegal in the state of Florida. It’s a level three violation under Florida’s 379.401 statue.

According to authorities, if the men would have allowed the officer to finish the stop the only punishment would have been losing their hunting license for up to three years.

“At the end of the day, these folks from Miami made a mistake when they set up camp in Polk County and then wanted to attack one of our officers up here? We don’t accept that,” Judd said.

The officer is recovering from his injuries.

Michel Amalfi and Lazaro Milian have been arrested, along with Rodrigo Alberto Mato La Rosa.