Heart-pounding bodycam footage captured the heroic actions of Deputy Anthony Gonzalez in Florida, as he bravely intervened to save a young boy from a knife-wielding assailant. The incident took place just outside Tampa on a Sunday afternoon, where Deputy Gonzalez responded to a distress call involving a 7-year-old boy in danger.
Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Gonzalez wasted no time in taking action. He kicked down a bedroom door after hearing the boy’s cries for help, only to be faced with a harrowing sight. A man clad in body armor and a motorcycle helmet was holding a knife to the boy’s throat, refusing to comply with the deputy’s orders to drop the weapon.
Despite multiple warnings, the assailant, later identified as 27-year-old Mario Camacho, remained unyielding. In a split-second decision, Deputy Gonzalez fired a single shot that incapacitated the suspect and saved the young boy from harm.
Camacho, who had been threatening his own younger brother with the knife, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The quick and decisive actions of Deputy Gonzalez undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from unfolding.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office commended Deputy Gonzalez for his bravery and swift response to the life-threatening situation. The young boy was safely rescued by the deputy following the shooting.
As per standard police procedures, Deputy Gonzalez has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation into the incident. The bodycam footage serves as a testament to the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the courage they exhibit in protecting their communities.
