A motorist intentionally ran over a pair of Florida officers who were seriously injured in an “ambush” Thursday morning, according to authorities and shocking footage of the crash.
Hillsborough County Deputy Manuel Santos, 31, and Corporal Carlos Brito, 39, were standing in front of their police cruiser on a residential street when the driver sped toward them, the footage shows.
The officers did not have enough time to escape the danger and one of them crashed through the car’s windshield after trying to jump out of the way, according to graphic videos released by authorities.
Two officers were seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a call for service on November 9, 2023 in Brandon, Florida. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
The car, driven by Ralph Bouzy, 28, stopped after hitting the police car.
The sheriff’s office was responding to the suspect’s home where he lived with his mother after she called for help because he was behaving violently, the law enforcement agency said in a news release.
When sheriff’s personnel arrived around 7:45 a.m., Bouzy left, authorities said.
Both officers are currently at Tampa General Hospital undergoing surgery for critical injuries. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
But shortly after 8 a.m., he returned and pointed directly at deputies, the sheriff’s office said.
“There is no other way to describe this other than an ambush,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.
“Our officers risk their lives every day to protect this community and what happened today makes me absolutely sick.”
The car was driven by 28-year-old Ralph Bouzy. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Two other officers already at the scene chased Bouzy after he got out of his car and Tasered him when he refused to surrender, authorities said.
“Taser, Taser, Taser,” an officer could be heard shouting on the body camera video moments before the Taser was deployed. “Get on the ground right now.”
The suspect fell after being hit and was arrested, footage shows.
The sheriff’s office responded to Ralph Bouzy’s home after his mother called for help because he was behaving violently. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Bouzy, who has a criminal history, was charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and may face more charges, the sheriff’s office said.
According to authorities, he had previously been arrested on three felonies and 14 misdemeanors.
Brito and Santos were taken to Tampa General Hospital with serious and critical injuries.
“Corporal Brito and Deputy Santos came to work today committed to making a difference in their community.” Sheriff Chronister also affirmed.
“Due to this man’s deliberate and intentional actions, their lives and the lives of their families are forever changed.”
Brito has been with the department since 2013 and Santos since 2019.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn