A man in Florida intentionally drove into two sheriff’s deputies, causing severe leg injuries. The incident occurred when the deputies responded to a call about the man’s irrational behavior. The suspect fled but returned and rammed the deputies, leaving them pinned against a patrol vehicle. The deputies are expected to survive, and the suspect has been charged with attempted murder. The Associated Press reported
Florida Man Intentionally Drives Into Deputies, Severely Injuring Them
BRANDON, Fla. (AP) — In a shocking incident, a Florida man deliberately drove his car into two sheriff’s deputies on Thursday, causing severe injuries before being apprehended by a third deputy, according to authorities.
Deputies Responding to Distress Call
The Hillsborough County deputies were dispatched after receiving a distress call from a concerned woman who reported her adult son’s irrational behavior and expressed fear for her safety, revealed Sheriff Chad Chronister at a press conference. The 28-year-old suspect was found sitting in his running vehicle outside his residence in the Tampa suburb of Brandon and attempted to flee when the deputies approached him.
A Horrifying Ambush
Shortly after his initial escape, the driver returned to the scene, suddenly accelerating and intentionally ramming into the deputies, trapping them against a patrol vehicle. Both officers sustained severe leg injuries from the impact but are expected to recover.
Sheriff Chronister described the incident as an “ambush,” emphasizing that the perpetrator purposefully used his car as a weapon, leaving the deputies with no opportunity to evade the attack.
Deputies’ Heroic Actions and Arrest
The injured deputies were identified as 39-year-old Carlos Brito and 31-year-old Manny Santos. After striking the officers, the suspect exited his vehicle and made an attempt to enter his house. However, another deputy who had arrived at the scene managed to subdue and arrest him.
Previous Criminal Record and Hostility Towards Law Enforcement
The arrested individual is now facing charges of attempted murder of law enforcement officers. Sheriff Chronister disclosed that the suspect had been previously arrested for three felonies and 14 misdemeanors, and he had exhibited animosity towards law enforcement in the past.
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