This bodycam footage, provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, shows the perspective of Deputy Shane McGough, who was wounded during a recent shootout in Tampa, Florida. Viewer discretion is advised.

On 15 June, 2024, Hillsborough Co. Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputies and SWAT personnel responded to a report of “shots fired.” A woman- later identified as the suspect’s mother, reported that her husband had been shot. This was pursuant to the actions of Christos Themelis Jr., 19 years of age, who had shot and killed his father, and shot his mother as the police force arrived.

Themelis opened fire on the HCSO Deputies, prompting an exchange of gunfire in which Deputy McGough was wounded in the leg as shown here. Themelis retreated inside his home, where he was later found, having died of his injuries. As of time of writing, (17 June 2024) Deputy McGough is recovering in an area hospital. Despite the injury of one of their own, the Hillsborough Co. Sheriff praised the Deputies’ quick reaction, which prevented an untold number of possible further casualties. Law Enforcement personnel had had several previous mental health related contacts with Themelis, including the seizure of firearms on multiple occasions. How he managed to procure a further weapon to kill his parents is under continued investigation.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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