Deputy recuperates following Tampa shootout with teen accused of killing parents
In Tampa, Florida, a tragic incident resulted in the death of at least three individuals when a 19-year-old, Christos Themelis Jr., fatally shot his father, 51-year-old Christos Themelis. The violence erupted at approximately 11:09 p.m., following a distress call made by Christos Jr.’s mother, Rebecca Themelis, to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. During the call, several more shots were reported. Additionally, one deputy was injured in the incident and is currently recovering. Authorities are handling the situation, and the investigation continues.
At least three people are dead and one deputy is recovering after a Tampa, Florida, teenager murdered his father Saturday and shot at responding law enforcement, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 11:09 p.m. when the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting called in by 48-year-old Rebecca Themelis, who said her son, 19-year-old Christos Themelis Jr., had shot her husband, 51-year-old Christos Themelis, according to the sheriff’s office.
During the call, several additional shots could be heard.
“Upon arrival, deputies encountered the caller and suspect outside of the residence. The suspect, Christos Alexander Themelis, Jr., 19, then shot his mother, the caller, and turned fired towards deputies,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Five deputies returned fire, deploying their service weapons, causing Themelis, Jr., to retreat into his home.”
Multiple teams, including SWAT and a crisis negotiation group, were called to assist, and when authorities entered the home, they discovered the 19-year-old had died of wounds sustained during the shootout.
“The monster we encountered this evening is responsible for not only injuring our deputy but also killing his own mother and father,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
“Our deputies responded to a chaotic scene and immediately put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community. Without our deputy’s quick and skillful response, an entire neighborhood would have been in danger.”
Deputy Shane McGough was wounded in the leg during the shootout, and his body-camera footage captured the intense firefight.
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“To see this situation unfold is truly scary,” Chronister said. “There is no doubt that the swift response of our deputies mitigated the threat for this community. Please keep Deputy McGough and his family in your prayers as he recovers from surgery this morning.”
The deputy’s surgery was a success, and he is recovering, according to the sheriff’s office.
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