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Hillsborough County sheriff gives update on deputy still hospitalized after serious crash

By FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  November 13, 2023 4:43pm EST
Hillsborough County
FOX 13 News
article

Photo courtesy: Sheriff Chad Chronister

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister provided another update Monday afternoon on a deputy who remains hospitalized with a serious leg injury from a crash in Brandon last week.

HCSO deputies struck, injured: Press Conference

Two Hillsborough County deputies were struck and seriously injured in what Sheriff Chad Chronister described as a deliberate and intentional ambush.

Corporal Carlos Brito and Deputy Manuel Santos were responding to a mental health call Thursday morning when they were intentionally struck by a man with his car and nearly killed.

READ: 2 Hillsborough County deputies seriously injured after being 'intentionally' struck, 'ambushed' in Brandon

On Monday, Sheriff Chronister announced Corporal Brito is very optimistic about his recovery, and the Tampa General Hospital team is continuing to attempt to save his leg, which was pinned during the crash and is at risk of being amputated. 

HCSO deputy out of hospital after ambush

Deputy Manuel Santos was released from the hospital after he and Corporal Carlos Brito were almost crushed by a car that charged at them. Santos held back tears as he talked about the terrifying moment.

He will undergo another surgery on Tuesday.

READ: Hillsborough County deputies continue to recover at hospital after suffering serious injuries in crash

Ralph Bouzy was arrested in connection to the incident and charged with three counts of attempted murder. Deputy Santos suffered a broken leg and underwent surgery before being released from TGH on Saturday.

READ: 'Scariest moment of my life': Hillsborough County deputy released from hospital after being run over by car