Quick thinking prevented a tragedy when an HCSO detective was ambushed during a narcotics sting, leading to the swift arrests of three suspects.
RIVERVIEW, Fla. – A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detective is fortunate to be alive after an undercover narcotics operation in Riverview escalated into an armed robbery on Thursday, July 18, 2025.
The incident, which saw two armed suspects press firearms against the detective’s body, highlights the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily.
Detectives with the Special Investigations Division Gang Unit arranged an undercover transaction after an individual solicited them on social media for THC vape pens, marijuana, and Oxycodone. The meeting was set for the Reflections Apartment Complex in Riverview.
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Upon arrival, two individuals, later identified as 17-year-old Daryl Cole and 18-year-old Christopher Samuels, approached the detective.
What began as a drug deal quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal. Both suspects pulled out firearms, threatened the detective, and demanded his cash. After robbing him, they attempted to steal his vehicle but were unsuccessful and fled on foot.
“In a split second, this incident could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The fact that our detective walked away unharmed is nothing short of a miracle. Our deputies put their lives on the line every single day to protect this community from the violent individuals who threaten it, and we will never stop pursuing justice.”
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Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly moved to apprehend the suspects. Daryl Cole was located and arrested at his sister’s residence in Tampa. Cole has an extensive criminal history, including 26 prior felony arrests, 10 misdemeanor arrests, and an active juvenile pickup order at the time of this incident.
He faces charges of Armed Carjacking, Robbery with a Firearm, Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
Christopher Samuels was apprehended in Auburndale, FL, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Samuels also has prior arrests for battery on a law enforcement officer and is currently a suspect in other felony cases. His charges for this incident include Armed Carjacking, Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
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A third suspect, 18-year-old Ce’Dreon Davis, was later identified as the getaway driver through surveillance footage showing him picking up Cole and Samuels shortly after the robbery. Davis was arrested and charged as an accessory to Armed Carjacking, Robbery with a Firearm, and Armed Burglary of a Conveyance.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Office stated that this remains an active investigation.
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