HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — After being ambushed and shot while protecting a woman in danger, Hillsborough Deputy Sopharmony Muon is home recovering and sharing a message of gratitude.
Muon was discharged on Saturday to an emotional clap-out as fellow deputies, family, friends and hospital staff lined the halls to celebrate his recovery.
“Deputy Muon is officially heading home after his stay at the hospital,” the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in an announcement. “His healing journey continues at home, but today was a celebration worth sharing.”
Before leaving, Muon reflected on the shooting and the overwhelming support he has received.
“She needed our help, and it was time for us to work,” Muon said. “What I did… doesn’t change, because I’ll do it for anyone who calls, anyone who needs our help.”
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Muon also thanked the community for standing behind him during his recovery.
“People I’ve never met or seen care enough to give me a piece of their time,” he said. “Time is precious, and they’re giving that to me. It’s amazing. There’s so much love here… I’m truly blessed.”
The shooting happened Thursday morning in Ruskin after authorities say 34-year-old Christopher Dmuchowski held his ex-girlfriend captive at gunpoint overnight, according to previous reports.
Investigators say deputies used a drone to monitor Dmuchowski as he left his apartment and walked toward a vehicle before he suddenly opened fire, striking Muon and Deputy Colton Daniels.
Sgt. Harrison Bashner returned fire, killing Dmuchowski.
“This suspect was intent on killing our deputies,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said after the shooting. “He ambushed them, and he would have succeeded if not for the heroic actions of one of our own.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputy-involved shooting.