Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has provided an update on the condition of two deputies who were deliberately struck and injured in an ambush. Deputy Manuel Santos sustained a serious leg injury and will require surgery, while Corporal Carlos Brito is now awake and his leg is being closely monitored. The suspect, Ralph Bouzy, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. The sheriff expressed gratitude for the support and well-wishes for the deputies’ recovery. FOX 13 News reported
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2023/11/764/432/Deputy-Recovering.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Photo courtesy: HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister
TAMPA, Fla. –
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister provided an update on the condition of two deputies who were seriously injured in a crash he described as an intentional ambush on Thursday.
According to Chronister, Deputy Manuel Santos sustained a bilateral break in his leg with ‘extensive’ ligament damage, and he will require surgery. He and his wife remain at Tampa General Hospital, where Chronister said they are in good spirits.
The sheriff said Corporal Carlos Brito, who he originally feared might need to have his leg amputated, is now awake and surrounded by his family. The surgeons are monitoring his progress and “continue to do everything possible to save his leg.”
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“The outpouring of support for our deputies and HCSO family has been overwhelming,” Chronister said. “Thank you for the continued prayers and well wishes for their speedy recovery.”
The two deputies were injured Thursday morning after a man intentionally and deliberately accelerated his car into them while they were responding to a mental health crisis call in Brandon.
Shocking surveillance and bodycam footage showed the two deputies try to dive out of the way before the man’s, later identified as Ralph Bouzy, 28, car careen into them.
Video: Deputies ‘intentionally struck’ by driver
Graphic video – Viewer discretion advised. Two Hillsborough deputies were rushed to the hospital after the driver of a vehicle ‘intentionally struck’ them. The deputies tried to dive out of the way but were pinned between their vehicles.
Bouzy, who had been arrested five times before and previously punched a deputy in the face, was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2023/11/764/432/Deputy-Recovering.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Photo courtesy: HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister
TAMPA, Fla. –
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister provided an update on the condition of two deputies who were seriously injured in a crash he described as an intentional ambush on Thursday. The incident occurred while the deputies were responding to a mental health crisis call in Brandon. According to Chronister, the crash was a deliberate act of violence against law enforcement officers.
Deputy Manuel Santos suffered severe injuries in the incident, including a bilateral break in his leg and extensive ligament damage. He will undergo surgery to repair his leg. Deputy Santos and his wife are currently hospitalized at Tampa General Hospital, where they are receiving care and support. Sheriff Chronister expressed that despite their injuries, Deputy Santos and his wife are maintaining a positive outlook.
Corporal Carlos Brito, another deputy injured in the incident, was initially at risk of losing his leg. However, he is now awake and surrounded by his family. Surgeons are closely monitoring his progress and doing everything possible to save his leg, stated Sheriff Chronister. The injured deputies are receiving extensive medical care and support from the law enforcement community.
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2023/11/932/524/dEPUTIES.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Sheriff Chronister expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support received by the injured deputies and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) family. He thanked everyone for their prayers and well wishes, emphasizing the importance of a speedy recovery for the injured deputies.
The intentional ambush incident has shocked the community. The surveillance and bodycam footage captured the moment when the deputies attempted to evade the oncoming vehicle before being struck by Ralph Bouzy, a 28-year-old man. Bouzy, who has a history of previous arrests and assaulting a deputy, was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
Video: Deputies ‘intentionally struck’ by driver
Warning: The following video contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised. The video shows the moment when two Hillsborough deputies were deliberately struck by a driver. The deputies made an attempt to avoid the collision but were trapped between their vehicles.
The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face while in the line of duty. It also underscores the need for support and appreciation for these brave individuals who put their lives on the line to protect the community.
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