Two Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputies were shot after a suspect allegedly involved in a hostage situation opened fire on them on West Shell Point Road in Ruskin.
On July 16, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said a victim came to a district office and reported that her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Dmuchowski, had held her captive at gunpoint the night before.
During a press conference, Sheriff Chad Chronister said the woman told deputies Dmuchowski entered her residence, zip-tied her legs, placed a sock in her mouth and covered it with tape. Throughout the night, she said she drifted in and out of consciousness while Dmuchowski repeatedly threatened to kill her as he held her at gunpoint.
The following morning, the woman realized she was no longer restrained and Dmuchowski was still inside the residence. She told him she had an appointment she could not miss, and he allowed her to leave. She then went directly to an HCSO district office to report the incident.
"Make no mistake about it, she was a hostage," Chronister said.
Deputies responded to Dmuchowski's residence in Ruskin at 9:52 a.m. after learning he was allegedly alone inside and armed.
Using drone surveillance, deputies observed Dmuchowski leave the residence and walk toward a van in the parking lot.
When Deputy Sopharmony Muon arrived at the scene, Dmuchowski punched through the driver's side window of the van and opened fire, striking Muon. Several rounds hit Muon's patrol vehicle, and one round struck him in the face.
Deputy Colton Daniels arrived moments later and was also shot. He was struck in the neck.
After the deputies were wounded, Sgt. Harrison Bashner arrived and returned fire, shooting Dmuchowski during the exchange.
"This suspect was intent on killing our deputies," Chronister said in a press release. "He ambushed them, and he would have succeeded if not for the heroic actions of one of our own. Because of the training, technology, and equipment our deputies are provided, this response was a success. They are trained to react under the most dangerous circumstances, and that preparation made all the difference today."
Dmuchowski was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:32 p.m.
"This suspect's reign of terror ended today because of the training, bravery, and heroic actions of these deputies," Chronister said. "I want to thank the deputies who immediately responded after hearing desperate calls for help. I also want to recognize our dispatchers. Their professionalism and calm under immense pressure helped coordinate this response from the very beginning. We are grateful for everything they do."
Muon has served with HCSO for two years, while Daniels has been with the agency for four years.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting.
HCSO released body camera footage of the incident. Viewer discretion is advised.