BRANDON, Fla. — Two Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies are continuing their long road to recovery after they were seriously hurt in an ambush on Nov. 9 in Brandon.
To lift their spirits and honor them for their bravery, the local community has donated $40,000 to support the deputies, the sheriff's office said in a news release.
Sheriff Chad Chronister presented Corporal Carlos Brito and Deputy Manny Santos each with a $20,000 check.
"The outpouring of support from our community leaves me humbled and grateful. At this time, the focus for Corporal Brito and Deputy Santos should be solely on their recovery," Chronister said in a statement. "This contribution significantly alleviates the financial burden that accompanies their injuries, providing a much-needed respite to their families during the holiday season.
"It serves as a powerful reminder that in times of need, our community comes together with unity and compassion, lightening the load our brave deputies carry as they strive towards complete healing."
Santos and Brito found themselves targeted by 28-year-old Ralph Bouzy who is accused of using his car to ram into them. He's now facing multiple counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Both deputies were taken to the hospital after the incident. Santos was released over that weekend while Brito stayed because of more serious injuries.
Santos' leg suffered a bilateral break as well as several torn ligaments.
Brito already had two surgeries during his stay at the hospital, according to the sheriff. The sheriff added doctors are "cautiously optimistic" about being able to save the corporal's leg.
In a previous post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Chronister said Brito also was "optimistic about his recovery."
On Nov. 9, both Brito and Santos responded to a 911 call from Bouzy's mother. She said her son, who lives with her, was acting "irrational and violent," and she was in fear for her life.
Brito and Santos tried to make contact with Bouzy, who was sitting in his car in the Heather Lakes area home's driveway. After refusing to interact with deputies, Bouzy drove off.
He would soon return, however. This time, he was speeding back, according to the sheriff's office. Seconds after narrowly missing two other deputies, Chronister said Bouzy intentionally aimed his car toward Brito and Santos, ultimately hitting them and pushing them between his car and one of the deputy's marked SUVs.
Bouzy was tased and arrested by the other two deputies.
"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest appreciation to every individual, business, and organization that contributed," the agency said. "Your generosity and support demonstrate the incredible strength of our community and the profound impact we can make together."
The sheriff's office says it will cover the medical expenses for both deputies.
10 Tampa Bay's Claire Farrow and Courtney Holland contributed to this report.