(This version updates with conditions on the deputies.)
Photos posted on social media showed two Florida deputies sitting up in hospital beds and talking hours after they were shot during a domestic violence call.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Sopharmony Muon, 33, arrived on scene at a residence in Ruskin shortly before 10 a.m. July 16. Muon was instantly attacked with numerous shots fired by the suspect, Christopher Dmuchowski, 34, reports state.
He was struck in the “facial area” and “immediately went down.” In bodycam video released by the department, a bloody Muon is heard saying the bullet was in his hand. Fellow deputies moved him to safety and tended to his injuries until medics could arrive.
As Muon was struck, Deputy Colton Daniels arrived on scene and was shot in the neck before exiting his vehicle.
Sgt. Harrison Bashner, a 28-year veteran of the force, arrived at that time and fired shots, striking Dmuchowski multiple times. Dmuchowski was transported to the hospital where he died.
Muon was said to be “in good spirits,” and was expected to have surgery July 17 to remove fragments in his hand, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Daniels was expected to released from the hospital July 17.
What is the condition of two Florida deputies shot during domestic violence call?
Both deputies were seen in photos sitting up and looked to be in good spirits.
Muon had a large, yellow protective covering over his left arm, which was also bandaged. Both deputies’ wives were seen at their bedsides, along with coworkers.
“Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to protecting others embody what it means to wear this badge,” according to a post on the department’s social media pages. “They have a long road ahead, but they won’t walk it alone. We are standing beside them every step of the way, and we’re asking our community to keep them, their families and all of #teamHCSO in your thoughts and prayers.”
Muon has been with sheriff’s office for two years, while Daniels has been on the force for four years.
What led to two Florida deputies being shot?
Dmuchowski ex-girlfriend went to a sheriff’s station the morning of July 16 to report she had been held captive overnight by Dmuchowski.
According to Chronister, Dmuchowski went to his ex-girlfriend’s home in Ruskin, about 30 miles from Tampa, the evening of July 15. He zip tied her legs, put a sock in her mouth with tape over it and told her he was going to kill her. Throughout the night she went in and out of consciousness.
The morning of July 16, she woke up and realized she was not restrained. She convinced Dmuchowski she had an appointment she had to go to, and he let her leave. That’s when the unidentified woman was able to escape and go to the sheriff’s office.
Who is the suspect accused of shooting two Florida deputies?
Christopher Dmuchowski, 34, was a one-time convicted felon, according to the sheriff’s department.
In 2023 he was convicted of tampering with physical evidence. Aside from that, officials did not say he had other previous run-ins with the law.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Photos show Florida deputies in good spirits after being shot
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
