TAMPA, Fla. – A 19-year-old Tampa resident was involved in a tragic incident that resulted in the death of both his parents and a shootout with law enforcement officers, as reported by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his shock at the situation, referring to the individual as “the monster we encountered.” The events unfolded following a distress call from a woman reporting a shooting at a residence on Cactus Wren Place in Tampa.
Upon arrival, deputies found the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Christos Alexander, outside the home alongside his mother. Alexander proceeded to fatally shoot his mother and engage in gunfire with Deputy Shane McGough, resulting in the deputy sustaining injuries.
Law enforcement officers returned fire at the suspect, stopping him in his tracks, but he managed to retreat back into the residence and barricade himself inside. The SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and a robot were deployed to assist in entering the home.
Tragically, upon entering the residence, deputies discovered Alexander’s deceased father along with the suspect, who had succumbed to his injuries in another room. According to the sheriff, Alexander had a history of interactions with law enforcement for mental health and violence issues.
The incident raised questions about how Alexander, who was known to authorities and had his firearms seized in the past, was able to access a firearm to carry out the violent acts. The sheriff emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the source of the weapon used in the crime.
Deputy McGough, who was injured in the shootout, underwent successful surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital and is expected to recover. The sheriff requested thoughts and prayers for the injured deputy and all involved in the tragic event.
In addition to Deputy McGough, four other deputies were involved in the incident, none of whom resorted to deadly force before the events unfolded. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been called in to investigate the matter further.