RUSKIN, FL — Two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were shot Thursday afternoon after authorities say a suspect ambushed them while deputies responded to investigate a reported hostage incident that occurred the previous night at a home on West Shell Point Road in Ruskin. The suspect was shot by a third deputy and later died at a local hospital.
During a news conference, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the suspect’s intent “was to take the life of our deputies,” describing the shooting as a deliberate ambush.
According to the sheriff, the investigation began when a woman arrived at a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s district office Thursday morning and reported that her boyfriend had held her hostage overnight. She told deputies the suspect zip-tied her legs, stuffed a sock in her mouth, taped it shut, and repeatedly threatened to kill her. When she woke up the next morning, she discovered she was no longer restrained. The suspect allowed her to leave the residence for an appointment, but instead she went directly to the sheriff’s office to report what had happened.
Deputies responded to the home while a sheriff’s office drone monitored the property from above. As deputies conducted surveillance, the drone operator alerted officers that the suspect was leaving the residence.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Deputy Moon pulled up beside the suspect’s vehicle. As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, the suspect punched through the side window of a van and immediately opened fire, striking Deputy Moon in the face. Sheriff Chronister said Deputy Moon was met with a barrage of gunfire.
Moments later, Deputy Daniels arrived at the scene. Before he could exit his patrol vehicle, the suspect fired through the window, striking him in the neck.
A third responding deputy, Sgt. Harrison, a 27-year veteran of the agency, took a tactical position behind his patrol vehicle and returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times and ending the attack.
Both injured deputies were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where they are receiving medical care. Sheriff Chronister said their families have been taken to the hospital and are by their side.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Chris Machauky, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Sheriff Chronister said Machauky had one prior felony conviction for tampering with physical evidence.
The sheriff also praised the quick response of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and confirmed there is no threat to the public. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is expected to investigate the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure. The conditions of the injured deputies have not yet been released.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRESS CONFERENCE
