Tampa teen dead after killing parents, injuring deputy in shootout: HCSO
TAMPA, Fla. - A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy was injured in a deadly shooting Saturday night after responding to a 911 call in Tampa, according to officials.
Deputies say a woman, later identified as 48-year-old Rebecca Ann Themelis, called to report that her husband, 51-year-old Christos Byron Themelis, had just been shot. According to authorities, several more shots were fired while she was still on the phone with the HCSO dispatch center.
Deputies say when they arrived to the 14000 block of Cactus Wren Place just after 11 p.m., the suspect, 19-year-old Christos Alexander Themelis, Jr., and Rebecca Themelis were outside the home.
Deputy Shane McGough can be heard on bodycam footage pleading for Rebecca Themelis to get away from her son.
"Ma'am, come here. Ma'am, come here. Ma'am, walk to me," McGough said during the video.
McGough also can be heard saying, "Listen, keep your hands up, sir… Stop reaching in your waistband."
Christos Themelis Jr. shot his mother and then began shooting towards deputies, according to HCSO.
Officials say five deputies exchanged gun fire with Christos Themelis Jr. and during the exchange, Deputy McGough was shot in the leg.
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Christos Themelis Jr. retreated to the home and barricaded himself inside, according to the sheriff's office. HCSO's SWAT Team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, and Crisis Negotiation Team were called to help.
HCSO deputy injured during shootout with suspect
GRAPHIC VIDEO: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says 19-year-old Christos Themelis, Jr. killed both his parents before he began shooting at deputies on Saturday night. Deputy Shane McGough was shot in the leg while responding to the incident, according to officials.
"The monster we encountered this evening is responsible for not only injuring our deputy but also killing his own mother and father," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies responded to a chaotic scene and immediately put themselves in harm's way to protect our community. Without our deputy's quick and skillful response, an entire neighborhood would have been in danger."
According to deputies, when specialty units went inside the home they discovered that Christos Themelis Jr. had died from his injuries.
The sheriff's office says the five deputies involved in this incident were:
- Deputy Shane McGough, 26, two years of service
- Deputy Brandon Schade, 26, one year of service
- Deputy Richard Ziegler, 33, nine years of service
- Deputy Bjar Atkins, 38, 13 years of service
- Deputy Ciara Moncada, 34, two years of service
None of the deputies had prior incidents using deadly force, according to authorities.
Surgeons removed the bullet from Deputy McGough's leg on Sunday morning, according to Sheriff Chronister. Officials say he is expected to make a full recovery in three months.
Chronister says McGough is in good spirits and with his family.
Courtesy: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
"To see this situation unfold is truly scary," said Sheriff Chronister. "There is no doubt that the swift response of our deputies mitigated the threat for this community. Please keep Deputy McGough and his family in your prayers as he recovers from surgery this morning."
In accordance with HCSO policy, officials say the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
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