Deputy shot in traffic stop

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published August 7, 2007

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - A motorcyclist shot an off-duty Broward County sheriff's deputy Monday after he was pulled over during a routine traffic stop, authorities said.

The officer was in critical condition Monday evening.

Deputy Maury Hernandez suffered "a serious catastrophic injury to the right side of his head," and was on a mechanical ventilator, Sheriff Ken Jenne said.

Hernandez, 28, was on his way to work around 11:50 a.m. when he stopped the motorcyclist. The man ran, then turned around and shot the deputy, authorities said in a statement.

David Maldonado, 23, of Hollywood, was arrested moments later. No charges were immediately filed.

"The next couple of days we're going to have to say a lot of prayers for him," said Jenne, who was at the hospital.

Hernandez worked in one of the agency's specialized units and was on his way to a large undercover operation. He was not in uniform, authorities said.

[Last modified August 6, 2007, 22:51:26]