Two deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida were left seriously injured in what is being described as an “ambush” by a driver on Thursday. The incident occurred when the deputies responded to a call from the mother of 28-year-old Ralph Bouzy, who was reportedly acting erratically and causing fear to his mother.
According to a report by Click on Orlando, the deputies, Cpl. Carlos Brito and Deputy Manuel Santos, arrived at the scene and attempted to speak with Bouzy, who was in a car. However, Bouzy refused to comply and drove off. As the two deputies were in pursuit of Bouzy, he allegedly circled back and rammed his vehicle into them, in what has been described as an act of aggression.
The situation became even more dire when two more deputies arrived on the scene, and Bouzy once again tried to strike them with his vehicle. The deputies managed to escape injury, but Cpl. Brito and Deputy Santos were not so lucky. They sustained serious injuries from the impact, leaving Cpl. Brito is at risk of losing his leg.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his outrage and disgust over the incident, stating, “There is no other way to describe this other than an ambush. Our deputies put their lives on the line every day to protect this community, and what happened today makes me absolutely sick.”
The suspect, Ralph Bouzy, was immediately arrested and is now facing three counts of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. The deputies involved in the attack are currently receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are being closely monitored. The entire Hillsborough County community is also sending their thoughts and prayers to the injured deputies and their families.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while on duty. They put their lives on the line to protect the community, and this incident is a stark reminder that there are individuals who do not hesitate to harm those who serve and protect.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is no stranger to such attacks, with several incidents of aggression against law enforcement officers reported in recent years. In 2019, a deputy was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in a rural area of the county. The suspect in that case was also apprehended and faced charges for the heinous act.
As the two deputies recover from their injuries, the Hillsborough County community is standing united in support of law enforcement and sending a strong message that such attacks will not be tolerated. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is also urging the public to come forward with any information or assistance that may help in the ongoing investigation.
In conclusion, the attack on two Hillsborough County deputies has left the community in shock and the law enforcement community grieving. As the investigation into the motives behind the attack continues, it serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day in the line of duty. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is determined to bring justice to those responsible for this senseless and cowardly act.
𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐂 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎#teamHCSO is releasing surveillance and body camera footage from today’s ambush of two deputies in Brandon. Both deputies are currently at Tampa General Hospital undergoing surgery for critical injuries.
“Corporal Brito and Deputy… pic.twitter.com/kmcgOA0bu6
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) November 9, 2023