2 Hillsborough County deputies recovering after ambush

Writer: Rachel Murphy
Published: Updated:
Hillsborough deputies
Corporal Brito in Tampa General Hospital (CREDIT: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) posted an update on the recovery of one of their corporals who underwent surgery after a violent ambush.

The sheriff’s office reports that Corporal Brito is in great spirits and that the staff at Tampa General Hospital are doing everything they can to foster a full recovery. Deputy Santos was discharged on Saturday after sustaining severe injuries.

According to law enforcement, deputies went to Dexwell Court in Brandon Thursday after a woman called saying she was in fear of her 28-year-old son, Ralph Bouzy.

Deputies tried talking with Bouzy at the scene, but he drove away.

Not long after, Bouzy returned to the scene, suddenly ambushing the deputies. A deputy jumped out of the way to avoid getting hit by Bouzy. Continuing toward the deputies, Bouzy sped up toward the deputies standing outside of their marked vehicle, violently colliding with both of them.

Hillsborough deputies
Deputies ambushed in Hillsborough County. CREDIT: HCSO

“There is no other way to describe this other than an ambush,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our deputies put their lives on the line every day to protect this community, and what happened today makes me absolutely sick.”

Corporal Carlos Brito, 39, and Deputy Manuel Santos, 31, were treated at Tampa General Hospital for sustaining serious and critical injuries.

This remains an active investigation.

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