safety
Suspect who held woman hostage with zip ties ambushes, shoots deputies during arrest
By Thaddeus Randazzo at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
RUSKIN, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Two Florida deputies were shot and flown to a hospital after a suspect ambushed them when they arrived to take him into custody Thursday.The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Chris Machowski, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced ...
Key takeaway The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Chris Machowski, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The shooting of two Florida deputies serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in Nashville and surrounding areas as well. Although this incident occurred in Florida, the risks and challenges faced by deputies are similar across the country, including in Davidson County. The use of surveillance drones to gather information before approaching a potentially armed suspect is a tactic that could be employed by local law enforcement agencies in Nashville, highlighting the need for continued investment in technology and training for officers. As the community comes together to support law enforcement, it's crucial to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of officers like those involved in this incident, and to acknowledge the complexities and challenges of their work in keeping the community safe. The incident also underscores the importance of support systems for victims of domestic violence and the need for swift action in such cases.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? RUSKIN, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Two Florida deputies were shot and flown to a hospital after a suspect ambushed them when they arrived to take him into custody Thursday.The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Chris Machowski, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Thaddeus Randazzo at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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