HCSO INVESTIGATES INCIDENT WITH THREE DEAD AND ONE INJURED DEPUTY

Update from June 16, 04:15 am:

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances that led to a suspect shooting his parents and injuring a deputy.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:09 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 14000 block of Cactus Wren Place in Tampa.

The caller stated that her husband had just been shot. While she was on the phone with the HCSO dispatch center, several more shots were fired.

Upon arrival, officers found the caller and the suspect outside the house. The suspect, Christos Alexander, 19, then shot his mother and the caller and fired at officers.

Five officers returned fire and used their service weapons, whereupon Alexander retreated into his house.

The HCSO SWAT team, explosive ordnance disposal team and crisis negotiation team were called to assist.

“The monster we encountered tonight is responsible not only for the injury of our deputy, but also for the death of his own parents,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our officers responded to a chaotic scene and immediately placed themselves in harm’s way to protect our community. Without the quick and skillful response of our officers, an entire neighborhood would have been in danger.”

When special forces entered the house, they found that Alexander had succumbed to his injuries.

The five MPs involved in this incident are:

• Deputy Shane McGough, 26,

  
  
  

• Deputy Brandon Schade, 26

  
  
  

• Deputy Richard Ziegler, 33

  
  
  

• Deputy Bjar Atkins, 38

  
  
  

• Deputy Ciara Moncada, 34

  
  
  

None of the officers involved had previously used deadly force.

McGough’s condition is currently stable.

Per HCSO policy, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.

The investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided by the Public Relations Office.

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Update from June 16, 01:50 am:

The situation is resolved. Sheriff Chad Chronister is on scene and will provide an update to the media at 2:30 a.m.

Media planning to attend should meet at the stage at Ehrlich Road and Farmington Blvd.

This is an active investigation and all updates will come from the Office of Public Affairs.

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Original: June 16, 01:17:

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found a barricaded man, a deputy was shot and is receiving medical treatment at a nearby trauma center. SWAT, crisis negotiation teams and explosives experts are on scene. Please avoid the area of ​​Ehrlich Road and Farmington Boulevard.

Media planning to attend should meet at the stage on Ehrlich Road, just west of Farmington Boulevard.

The Public Affairs Office is on site and will inform you of the current status as soon as it is available.