PHOTOS: Senator Moody Honors Law Enforcement Heroes Ambushed While Responding to a Woman’s Call for Help

TAMPA, Fla.- Senator Ashley Moody today gave special recognition to multiple Hillsborough County deputies who were ambushed and intervened while responding to a woman's call for help. In July, a suspect ambushed three HCSO deputies responding to reports that a woman had been held at gunpoint. The suspect shot Deputy Colton Daniels in the face and Sopharmony Muon in the neck. While shots were being fired, Sergeant Harrison Bashner ran toward the gunfire to stop the threat. Deputy Roody Louis and Corporal Will Barnes were also recognized for their valor connected with the response.

"Deputies Daniels and Muon were ambushed while responding to a woman's call for help. Sgt. Bashner immediately responded, running toward the gunfire to save the two deputies. These deputies showed exceptional courage. It was an honor to surprise them today with a special recognition for their service and thank them personally for all they do to protect Floridians," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND

• In July, a suspect in a hostage case fired a barrage of shots at deputies who responded to a call for help. Deputy Daniels was shot in the face, and Deputy Muon was shot in the neck before he could step out of his car. Both deputies are recovering at home. Learn more here.
• Senator Moody surprised the deputies at a special ceremony at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office with Sheriff Chad Chronister.
• Senator Moody is a strong supporter of the men and women who serve and protect Floridians. Last week, Senator Moody received the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Senator Moody also recently received the Friends of Florida Police Chiefs Association Award.
• Since becoming Florida's newest Senator, Moody has:
  • Introduced the Halo Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty.
  • Cosponsored the LEO K9 Act, which aims to strengthen penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expand federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement. Senator Moody recently visited Jacksonville with Congressman Bean to spotlight the legislation.
  • Supported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence.
  • Introduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers.
  • Co-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers in getting fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Sponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and
  • Advanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.
• As Florida's Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.

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