Two Deputies Shot in Ruskin; Suspect Dead After Standoff

What Happened?

In Ruskin, Florida, something very scary happened. Two police helpers called deputies (they work for the sheriff to keep people safe) were shot. The person who shot them, called the suspect (someone believed to have done something wrong), is now dead.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told everyone this on Thursday.

Where Did It Happen?

• It took place on West Shell Point Road, which is near a big road called U.S. 41.
• That is in the town of Ruskin, Florida.

The Story From the Beginning

Here is what happened step by step:

1. Wednesday night: A 34-year-old man named Chris Dmuchowski took his ex-girlfriend (a former girlfriend) and kept her inside a house against her will. This is called taking someone hostage.
2. The woman was tied up, and Chris threatened to kill her (said he would end her life).
3. Thursday morning: She tricked him by saying she had an appointment she could not miss. She used this excuse to get away.
4. She went to the police at their District 4 office to get help.
5. Deputies started looking into it. The police office said they knew Chris had a weapon (was armed) and was by himself (alone).
6. Police first sent a small flying robot with a camera, called a drone, to look. But Chris tried to leave, so the deputies had to go in themselves.

The Shooting

When deputies arrived, things got dangerous:

• The first deputy got there and was shot in the face.
• The next deputy arrived and was shot in the neck before he even got out of his car.
• A third deputy, a leader called Sgt. Harrison Bashner, shot Chris.
• Chris was taken to Tampa General Hospital and was confirmed dead there.

Important Point: Sheriff Chronister said the suspect ambushed the deputies (surprised and attacked them suddenly) from the moment they arrived. He was determined to take a deputy’s life.

Who Are the Deputies?

The injured deputies and the one who shot the suspect are:

• Deputy Sopharmony Muon: Shot, has worked for the sheriff’s office for 2 years.
• Deputy Colton Daniels: Shot, has worked there for 4 years.
• Sgt. Harrison Bashner: Shot the suspect, has worked there for 28 years.

Both injured deputies were treated at Tampa General Hospital. The sheriff said he spoke to each of them before they were taken to the hospital.

What the Sheriff Said

• The deputies made the mission a success.
• Chris was a convicted felon (someone who was found guilty of a serious crime before).
• The sheriff said: "This suspect’s reign of terror ended today because of the training, bravery, and heroic actions of these deputies."
• He thanked the deputies who rushed to help and the dispatchers (the people who answer emergency calls).
• He also said there is no threat to public safety (regular people are safe).

Did We See Proof?

Spectrum Bay News 9 (a local news team) watched video from the deputies’ body cameras (small cameras on their uniforms) and the drone. The video matched what the sheriff said happened.

Important Point: News videos and extra pictures from the scene were shared by the sheriff’s office so the public could see what happened.

Summary

On Wednesday night, Chris Dmuchowski held his ex-girlfriend hostage and threatened her. She escaped Thursday morning and got police help. When deputies came to the home, Chris shot two of them. A third deputy shot Chris, who later died at the hospital. The two injured deputies are getting treatment, and the sheriff says everyone else is safe. The brave actions of the deputies stopped a dangerous man.

FAQ

Q: What is a deputy?
A: A deputy is a police worker who helps the sheriff keep a county safe.

Q: How did the woman get away from the suspect?
A: She told him she had an appointment she could not miss, and he let her leave.

Q: Are the people in the town still in danger?
A: No. The sheriff said there is no threat to public safety.

Q: Was the suspect known to police before?
A: Yes, he was a convicted felon, meaning he had been found guilty of a serious crime in the past.

Q: Where can I see the sheriff’s full talk?
A: The sheriff’s office shared a news conference video that local news played so people could watch exactly what he said.