Two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies were shot Thursday while responding to a domestic-violence call in Ruskin, and a suspect was later pronounced dead at a hospital, sheriff’s officials said.
The deputies were hit in a "barrage of gunfire" after encountering the suspect, identified by authorities as Chris Machowski, 34, as he tried to leave a residence in a van, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. A third deputy returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. Machowski was transported to a hospital where he died.
What changed for residents
Residents in the Ruskin area can expect an increased law enforcement presence while investigators process the scene and collect evidence. Officials have not released the deputies’ names or detailed medical conditions, but Chronister said both deputies were conscious and able to speak before being airlifted to a trauma center.
- Injuries: One deputy was struck in the face; another was struck in the neck.
- Response: A third deputy engaged and fatally wounded the suspect.
- Victim background: The incident followed a report to the sheriff’s office by the suspect’s ex-girlfriend, who said she had been held captive overnight.
Sheriff Chronister described the scene and the earlier complaint from the woman, who went to a sheriff’s station the morning of July 16 and said she had been held hostage by Machowski after he allegedly bound her feet and gagged her the previous night. She told deputies she had convinced Machowski to let her leave, then reported the incident.
"The hand of God was with our deputies here today," Chronister said. "Our suspect's reign of terror ended today."
Timeline
| Timeframe | Event |
|---|---|
| Evening, July 15 | Woman alleges Machowski held her captive at a Ruskin residence. |
| Morning, July 16 | Woman escapes and reports the incident at a sheriff's office. |
| July 16 (response) | Deputies confront Machowski as he attempts to leave; two deputies are shot; a third deputy fires, mortally wounding the suspect. |
Chronister said the first deputy exited his patrol vehicle and was immediately met with multiple gunshots, suffering a wound to the facial area and collapsing. A second deputy arriving on scene was struck in the neck as he exited his vehicle. Sgt. Harrison Bashner, a 27-year veteran of the department, then fired at the suspect, officials said.
Both wounded deputies were transported by helicopter to a hospital. Chronister told reporters both deputies were "speaking" and "grateful to be alive" prior to their transport.
Investigation and community impact
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting. Officials have not released details about charges that could be filed in connection with the domestic violence allegation or the officer-involved shooting. The sheriff’s office will determine next steps as it completes its review.
For residents, the episode is a reminder of the risks faced by first responders and the potential escalation of domestic disputes. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
— Mateo Rivera, Florida correspondent
