Two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were seriously injured one Thursday morning when they responded to a call for service. The call came in at 7:44 a.m. from a woman who stated that she was in fear of her son, who was behaving violently at their home in Brandon, located on Dexwell Court. The deputies arrived and came into contact with Ralph Bouzy, 28, who was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of his home. The deputies attempted to make contact with him, expressing they were there to help, but Bouzy refused to speak to them and drove away.
Bouzy returned to the scene at just after 8:00 a.m., deliberately ambushing the deputies. He accelerated his vehicle as he turned onto Dexwell Court, causing a deputy to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. Bouzy then continued to speed towards two deputies standing outside of their marked patrol SUV, violently colliding with both deputies. “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.”
The two deputies involved were Corporal Carlos Brito, 39, and Deputy Manuel Santos, 31. Both sustained serious, critical injuries and are receiving treatment at Tampa General Hospital. Two other deputies encountered Bouzy after he exited his vehicle. After he refused law enforcement commands, a taser was deployed and Bouzy was taken into custody.
Corporal Brito has been with HCSO since 2013, and Deputy Santos started at HCSO in 2019. “Corporal Brito and Deputy Santos came to work today committed to making a difference in their community,” added Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Because of this man’s deliberate and intentional actions, their lives, and their family’s lives are changed forever.”
Bouzy has a history of previous arrests, including three felonies and 14 misdemeanors. He is now facing charges of Attempted Murder on a Law Enforcement Officer (X3).
Sheriff Chronister expressed his frustration and anger at the situation and vowed to support the injured deputies and their families through the recovery process. The community rallied behind the deputies, with an outpouring of support and well-wishes flooding in from all corners. The community also held a fundraiser to assist the deputies and their families with medical expenses and support during their recovery.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. It highlights the need for continued support and resources to protect those who work to keep our communities safe. The incident also brought attention to the need for mental health resources and interventions for individuals who may be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others.
Law enforcement agencies in the area have been reviewing their protocols and procedures in response to the incident, looking for ways to enhance officer safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has sparked conversations about the need for increased support and resources for law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of their officers as they carry out their duties.
The deputies involved in the incident continue to receive medical treatment and support as they work to recover from their injuries. The community remains united in offering its support and well-wishes as they navigate their journey to healing. This incident has sparked a renewed sense of appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers and a commitment to work towards ensuring their safety in the line of duty.
