UPDATE: July 17, 2026 at 3:45 p.m.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce that Deputy Colton Daniels has been released from the hospital following the deputy-involved shooting on July 16, 2026.
"We are incredibly grateful that Deputy Daniels is on his way to a full recovery. This has been a difficult time for him, his family, and our entire Sheriff's Office, but his strength through this has been remarkable," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We want to thank TGH for providing incredible care and to the community for all of the support, prayers, and well-wishes during this time."
Prior to his release, Deputy Daniels spoke with HCSO, and that video is provided. He and his family are asking for privacy as he continues his recovery at home, and we ask that all media outlets refrain from contacting Deputy Daniels or his family.
The Public Affairs Office will provide updates on Deputy Sopharmony Muon as they become available.
ORIGINAL: July 16, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office remains on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting on West Shell Point Road in Ruskin.
The investigation began on July 16, 2026, after a victim came to HCSO's District 4 office and reported that her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Dmuchowski, 34, held her captive at gunpoint throughout Wednesday night.
At 9:52 a.m., deputies responded to Dmuchowski's residence, located on West Shell Point Road. Deputies had information that he was armed and alone.
Deputies launched a drone for surveillance and observed Dmuchowski exit the apartment and walk toward a vehicle in the parking lot. As Deputy Sopharmony Muon, 33, arrived on scene, Dmuchowski opened fire, shooting Muon. Simultaneously, Deputy Colton Daniels, 39, arrived and was also shot.
Sergeant Harrison Bashner, 53, arrived to the scene during the gunfire and shot the suspect.
"This suspect was intent on killing our deputies," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "He ambushed them, and he would have succeeded if not for the heroic actions of one of our own. Because of the training, technology, and equipment our deputies are provided, this response was a success. They are trained to react under the most dangerous circumstances, and that preparation made all the difference today.”
Dmuchowski, a convicted felon, was transported to the TGH, where he was pronounced deceased at 12:32 p.m.
"This suspect's reign of terror ended today because of the training, bravery, and heroic actions of these deputies," said Sheriff Chronister. "I want to thank the deputies who immediately responded after hearing desperate calls for help. I also want to recognize our dispatchers. Their professionalism and calm under immense pressure helped coordinate this response from the very beginning. We are grateful for everything they do."
Deputy Muon has been with HCSO for 2 years. Deputy Daniels has been with HCSO for 4 years. Sgt. Bashner has been with HCSO for 28 years. Their names are being released with their permission.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct a full investigation.
