Hillsborough sheriff’s corporal struck by car released from rehab facility

Dirk Shadd, Tony Marrero, Tampa Bay Times
·1 min read
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LARGO — A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was seriously injured when a man intentionally ran into him with a car last month was released from a rehabilitation center Tuesday just in time for the holidays.

Cpl. Carlos Brito wiped away tears as hospital staff and fellow members of law enforcement cheered as he exited Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo in a wheelchair.

According to information previously released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Ralph Bouzy’s mother called 911 on Nov. 9 and said her son was acting violent and irrational at their Brandon home. Fearing for her safety, she asked that deputies be sent.

When Brito and Deputy Manuel “Manny” Santos arrived outside the home, they found Bouzy in the driver’s seat of a parked Nissan Altima.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said the deputies tried to deescalate the situation, but Bouzy ignored them and drove away. Bouzy returned and nearly hit two additional deputies who arrived at the scene, then sped up and aimed his car at Santos and Brito, who stood next to a sheriff’s SUV, according to the sheriff’s office.

Brito was pinned between the Nissan and sheriff’s SUV. Both deputies suffered serious leg injuries and were rushed to Tampa General Hospital.

Santos was released from the hospital on Nov. 11. Brito was released on Dec. 5 and admitted to the Largo rehabilitation facility.

The next day, a Tampa judge ruled that Bouzy was mentally incompetent to stand trial.