(This story has been updated with new information)
Two deputies are undergoing medical treatment July 16 after being hit with a “barrage of gunfire” by a suspect who was shot and killed by a third deputy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff.
The deputies were responding to a domestic violence call when they encountered the suspect, Chris Machowski, 34, getting into a van attempting to leave a Ruskin residence. The first deputy exited his patrol car and was immediately faced with numerous shots fired by Machowski.
He was struck in the “facial area” and he “immediately falls down.” At the same time, a second deputy arrived and was struck in the neck before exiting his vehicle.
Sgt. Harrison Bashner, a 27-year veteran of the force, arrived at that time, fired shots, striking Machowski multiple times. Machowski was transported to the hospital where he died.
“The hand of God was with our deputies here today,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Our suspect’s reign of terror ended today.”
Both deputies were able to talk to Chronister before they were transported by helicopter to the hospital.
“Both of them were speaking, both of them are grateful to be alive,” Chronister said.
What led to two Florida deputies being shot?
Machowski’s ex-girlfriend went to a sheriff’s station the morning of July 16 to report she had been held captive overnight by Machowski.
According to Chronister, Machowski 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 Machowski 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?
Machowski 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 prior 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 Florida Today: ‘Pray for them,’ Florida sheriff says of 2 deputies shot; suspect dead
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
