Florida Hostage Suspect Ambushes Deputies, Shoots Two in Face and Neck, Then Killed by Backup (Video)
Two Hillsborough County deputies shockingly survived after one was shot in the neck and the other was shot in the face while responding to a call where a man was accused of taking his ex-girlfriend hostage.
Two Hillsborough County deputies shockingly survived after one was shot in the neck and the other was shot in the face while responding to a call where a man was accused of taking his ex-girlfriend hostage. A third deputy was seen on camera taking down the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. The deputies were airlifted to a Florida hospital on Thursday, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and are both expected to make a full recovery.
Suspect Accused Of Gagging And Holding Ex-Girlfriend At Gunpoint
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Christopher Michael Dmuchowski, was accused of holding his ex-girlfriend hostage overnight, gagging her with a sock and tape, and holding her at gunpoint. When she woke up, her restraints were off. She left the home and contacted authorities, going to a sheriff's office building to request an order of protection.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said that after identifying the suspect and learning of his criminal record, authorities sent a drone to the scene at West Shell Point Road in Ruskin, Florida.
Florida Deputies Shot In Face And Neck Miraculously Survive Ambush During Hostage Suspect Standoff
Deputy Hit In Face And Hand, Second Deputy Shot In Neck
An exchange of gunfire broke out in the parking lot outside the residence after the suspect exited the building. When Deputy Sopharmony Muon got out of his vehicle, he was hit in the face and hand by Dmuchowski, who was positioned at his van. Deputy Colton Daniels was close behind and was struck in the neck as he began to get out of his patrol car. US Store Shooting: Gujarati Woman Battles for Life After Bullet Rips Through Jaw; Husband Held in Accidental Shooting Case.
"Our suspect ambushed our deputies from the moment they arrived on scene," Chronister said. "He was intent on taking the life of a deputy sheriff."
Third Deputy Opens Fire, Suspect Pronounced Dead
Sgt. Harrison Bashner arrived at the scene and opened fire on Dmuchowski, striking him multiple times. Dmuchowski was pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital. Chronister credited a higher power for the deputies' survival, saying, "The hand of God was with our deputies here today."
Dmuchowski was a one time convicted felon on charges of tampering with physical evidence. Indian Father-Daughter Duo Killed in Virginia: US Man Shoots Dead Pradeepbhai Patel, Urvi Patel After Argument Over Liquor Store’s Operating Hours; Arrested.
Both Deputies Expected To Recover Fully
Chronister said on Friday that one of the deputies was preparing to go into surgery, with multiple fractures on his hand and wrist and stitches on his face where the bullet struck. The other deputy, who was shot in the neck, experienced no damage to vital arteries and hoped to be released Friday, according to the sheriff.
The sheriff's office said there is no threat to public safety at this time. "Thank you to every single deputy who was on scene and responded to this scene today," Chronister said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 08:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).