TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said surgeons are doing everything they can to save the leg of one of the deputies injured in a targeted attack on Thursday.
Chronister said deputies Santos and Brito are both recovering at Tampa General Hospital.
Deputy Brito, 39, is surrounded by his family as surgeons monitor his progress and work to save his leg, Chronister said.
Deputy Santos, 31, suffered a bilateral break in his leg and extensive ligament damage, which will require surgery, according to the sheriff.
The HCSO also shared a donation page set up to support Brito and Santos through the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. The sheriff's office said all money raised will "go towards covering medical expenses, rehabilitation, and any additional support needed for them and their families."
ABC Action News spoke with the co-founder of the Hillsborough County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Linda Unfried said Corporal Brito has been a crucial member of MADD and attended many of the organization’s events. Unfried fought back tears while thinking of what he's going through.
"It's personal because I knew him and that smile. You just think about what he's going through right now and his family's going through and his extended family at the sheriff's office. It hurts really bad,” she said.
ABC Action News also connected with Danny Alvarez with the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. Alvarez said now is the time to show support for these deputies and all men and women in law enforcement.
“When tragedy strikes, we know that a lot of people suffer alone. But in the law enforcement world, you're never alone. The outpouring of support for these two men has been incredible,” Alvarez added.
The deputies were both severely injured Thursday morning when a man, identified as Ralph Bouzy, hit them with a car. Chronister said the attack was targeted.
Friday morning, Bouzy was held without bond. He's charged with three counts of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. His next court appearance is Nov. 15.
