RUSKIN, Fla. — Two Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies were wounded and a suspect was killed Thursday morning during a shootout outside a Ruskin apartment complex.
The incident began on July 16, 2026, when a woman arrived at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) District 4 office. She reported to authorities that her ex-boyfriend, identified as 34-year-old Christopher Dmuchowski, had held her captive at gunpoint throughout Wednesday night.
Deputies responded to Dmuchowski’s residence on West Shell Point Road at 9:52 a.m. accurately tracking intelligence that he was alone and armed inside the apartment.
While stationed outside, responding units launched a drone to monitor the area. Surveillance footage captured Dmuchowski exiting the apartment and walking toward a vehicle parked in the lot.
As Deputy Sopharmony Muon, 33, pulled up to the scene, Dmuchowski opened fire, striking Muon. Deputy Colton Daniels arrived moments later and was also shot by the suspect.
Sergeant Harrison Bashner reached the scene during the active gunfire and shot Dmuchowski, ending the encounter.
Emergency personnel transported Dmuchowski, a convicted felon, to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:32 p.m.
“This suspect was intent on killing our deputies,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “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.”
Both wounded deputies survived the ambush. HCSO officials noted that Deputy Muon has served with the agency for two years, while Deputy Daniels has a four-year tenure. Sgt. Bashner is a 28-year veteran of the department. The agency released the names of the personnel following their explicit permission.
“This suspect’s reign of terror ended today because of the training, bravery, and heroic actions of these deputies,” Chronister added. “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.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assumed control of the scene and will conduct a full, independent investigation into the deputy-involved shooting.
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