Florida Teen Dead Shootout After Fatally Shooting Parents, Injuring Deputy
In Tampa, a Florida teen fatally shot his parents and injured a deputy. The incident occurred late Saturday night, prompting a swift police response. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

On Saturday night, a peaceful Tampa neighborhood was disrupted when Florida teen Christos Alexander Themelis Jr., 19, unleashed a violent rampage, resulting in the tragic deaths of his parents and injuring a deputy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The incident culminated in the Florida teen taking his own life, Fox News reports.

The Florida shooting unfolded shortly after 11 PM when deputies responded to a frantic call from Rebecca Ann Themelis, 48, who reported that her husband, Christos Byron Themelis, 51, had been shot inside their home on Cactus Wren Place.

Additional shots rang out during the call, indicating a volatile and dangerous situation.

Deputies arrived swiftly on the scene to find the suspect and his mother outside the residence.

Tragically, a Florida teen fatally shot his mother in the back of the head before turning his firearm on to law enforcement officers.

Florida Deputy Shane McGough, 26, was struck in the leg during the exchange of gunfire.

Heroic Response and Standoff

Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies for their swift and heroic response to grave danger.

"The monster we encountered that evening not only injured our deputy but also took the lives of his own mother and father," Sheriff Chronister stated, reflecting on the chaotic and heart-wrenching scene.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement to contain the situation, the suspect retreated into the family home, barricading himself inside, according to News Channel 8.

This prompted the activation of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and the deployment of a robotic unit to assist in gaining access to the residence.

Troubling Past and Law Enforcement Challenges

As the investigation into the Florida shooting unfolds, details have emerged about the suspect's troubled history.

Sheriff Chronister revealed that deputies had responded to the Themelis residence on multiple occasions, primarily for mental health crises and reports of violence directed at his parents.

Notably, an active risk protection order was in place that had previously led to confiscating firearms from the suspect.

"How did this mentally ill individual gain access to firearms when we had previously seized his weapons?" Sheriff Chronister questioned, highlighting the critical issue of firearm access in cases involving mental health concerns.

Florida Deputy Shane McGough, hailed for his bravery and resilience, underwent surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital to remove the bullet lodged in his leg.

Medical professionals anticipate a full recovery within three months, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragic aftermath.

"Deputy McGough is in good spirits and surrounded by his family," Sheriff Chronister reported, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken charge of the investigation into the incident, aiming to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting.

The case underscores broader societal issues related to mental health and domestic violence, prompting calls for enhanced support and resources for affected families and law enforcement personnel.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: 'Monster': Tampa 19-year-old kills parents, shoots deputy in shootout, sheriff says - From WFLA News Channel 8