safety
Suspect who held woman hostage with zip ties ambushes, shoots deputies during arrest
By Thaddeus Randazzo at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
The shocking incident in Florida serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. In Midland , where public safety is a top concern, residents can appreciate the bravery and quick thinking of deputies like Sgt. Harrison Bashner, who returned fire to protect his colleagues. The use of a drone to conduct surveillance before approaching the suspect is also noteworthy, as it highlights the importance of leveraging technology to minimize risks in high-pressure situations. As Midland County continues to grow and develop, its law enforcement agencies must stay equipped to handle complex and potentially deadly situations like the one in Florida. The community can only hope that its own deputies never face a similar ambush, but it's reassuring to know that they receive training to respond to such scenarios, and that technology like drones can be used to inform their tactics and keep them safe.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Thaddeus Randazzo at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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