At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy was doing his normal duties, attempting to exit a jail pod with 38-year-old inmate Michler Gabriel. As the two were preparing to walk through the pod doors, Gabriel refused to back away from the door as the deputy was opening it. When the deputy attempted to stop Gabriel from walking through the door, Gabriel punched the deputy in the face, striking him multiple times as he fell backwards onto a wall. The entire incident was captured on jail security cameras.
As a result of the attack, the deputy was transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment for his injuries. He suffered from bruising, swelling and lacerations.
Prior to the battery, Gabriel was being held at Orient Road Jail on the following charges: Driving with a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance (5 counts), possession of cannabis, armed trafficking in phenethylamines, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts) and carrying a concealed firearm.
After Tuesday's incident, Gabriel is now also facing felony charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and battery by a detained person. His most recent booking photo is included. Video of the battery incident is posted on the HCSO Sheriff YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9afHtJ3G6Q&feature=youtu.be
"This is a prime example of the dangerous environment deputies willingly go into everyday in order to keep violent people like Michler Gabriel off of our streets," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I will not tolerate anyone who would have such a lack of respect for another human being, especially for someone who selflessly serves the citizens of Hillsborough County. While I am thankful that the deputy involved was not seriously hurt, we will make sure that Gabriel is prosecuted to the fullest extent for his actions."