Overview
- Detectives used a drone to follow 34‑year‑old Christopher Dmuchowski to Shell Point Road, and deputies say he opened fire from a van when they moved in, wounding two officers on Thursday.
- One deputy was shot in the face and another in the neck; both were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and are recovering with one scheduled for surgery.
- A third deputy returned fire, striking Dmuchowski, who was taken to a hospital and later died from his wounds.
- Sheriff Chad Chronister called the attack an ambush and credited deputies’ training and actions for stopping the suspect, who had a prior felony conviction.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened an independent probe into the deputy‑involved shooting as local officials assess drone surveillance, bodycam footage and community safety.