Suspect who held woman hostage with zip ties ambushes, shoots deputies during arrest

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 dead, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. A third deputy returned fire and struck Machowski multiple times.

“Two of our deputies shot, please pray for them!” Chronister wrote on social media.

The incident began the night before when a woman told deputies her ex-boyfriend, later identified as Machowski, arrived at her home, restrained her with zip ties, gagged her and held her at gunpoint. Chronister said Machowski threatened to kill her throughout the night.

The woman said she woke up Thursday morning to find herself unrestrained. She told Chronister that she informed Machowski she had an appointment and he allowed her to leave. She then went to the sheriff’s office to seek an order of protection.

After hearing her account, deputies determined there were additional criminal charges to pursue. They identified Machowski, located his address and vehicle, and responded to the West Shell Point Road location, where they believed he was inside and alone.

Because Machowski was believed to be armed and dangerous, deputies deployed a drone to conduct surveillance rather than immediately approaching the residence, Chronister said.

The drone operator alerted deputies when Machowski left the residence and moved toward a parking lot that also contained repair workers. Deputies then moved in to take him into custody.

As the first deputy, identified as Deputy Moon, pulled up to Machowski’s vehicle, the suspect opened the side door of his van and fired.

Chronister said body camera and drone footage show Machowski punched through part of the vehicle to get a clearer shot. Moon was struck in the face and fell immediately.

Almost simultaneously, a second deputy, identified as Deputy Daniels, arrived on the scene. Machowski fired through Daniels’ patrol car, striking him in the neck. Daniels was never able to exit his vehicle, Chronister said.

A third deputy, Sgt. Harrison Bashner, took a tactical position from the rear. Bashner observed the suspect firing on Daniels, returned fire and struck Machowski multiple times.

GRAPHIC: Some may find this video disturbing.

Chronister visited both injured deputies at Tampa General Hospital after the shooting. Both continue to receive treatment for their injuries.

“Our deputies knew the danger they faced when they answered this call, yet they didn’t hesitate to run toward it,” Chronister said. “Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to protecting others embody what it means to wear this badge. They have a long road ahead, but they won’t walk it alone.”

Chronister said both Moon and Daniels were speaking, and he described them as grateful to be alive when he met with them as the medical helicopters landed. Their families were transported by sheriff’s office personnel to Tampa General Hospital.

Machowski was a convicted felon. In 2023, he was charged and convicted of tampering with physical evidence, Chronister said.

No previous documented cases of domestic violence involving Machowski were on record with the sheriff’s office.

Chronister said the original victim sustained no severe physical injuries, describing her condition as primarily mental anguish.