Sheriffs React Quick When Wanted Suspect Fires at Them

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, suspect Dewayne Davis, 35, shot a relative after an argument over floor work being done in an RV in the 10300 block of McIntosh Road.

On Monday, May 23, 2022, just after 10:30 AM, deputies were performing a “Walk It Like I Talk It,” a community policing effort where deputies are encouraged to engage with community members in order to build rapport, in the area of the previous shooting. Deputies were actively searching for the suspect and talking to several community members to determine his whereabouts. Deputies were advised that Davis was recently seen nearby.

When deputies came upon Davis’ girlfriend, Dana Rice, 31, she gave inconsistent information regarding Davis’ whereabouts and whether or not he was residing in a nearby shed that had been locked from the outside.

Deputies on scene called for additional units, including K-9, to search the shed. With the reasonable suspicion that Davis was hiding in the shed and after several warnings to surrender peacefully, deputies entered the shed with a K9. They found Davis hiding underneath a large beanbag and pointing a gun directly at the deputies.

Deputies gave Davis multiple commands to put the handgun down. Davis put the gun down, at which point, it appeared he was going to surrender. Instead, Davis turned and reached for another firearm. Sergeant Jason Goff and Deputy Charles Perdomo fired their service weapons, striking Davis several times.

“Our deputies' lives were put at risk not once, but twice today,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Rice’s decision to lie to our deputies put them in a dangerous situation that could have cost them their lives. As for Davis, he had no regard for anyone else’s safety. He was armed with multiple firearms, and it was clear, he did not want to get caught. I commend our deputies for the restraint and professionalism they showed in giving this violent criminal every opportunity to surrender peacefully.”

Davis was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition, and charges are pending. Dana Rice has been charged with Resisting an Officer without Violence and Obstruction.

No deputies were injured in the incident. Sergeant Jason Goff and Deputy Charles Perdomo have no prior use of force incidents. Sergeant Goff has been with HCSO since 1998, and Deputy Perdomo has been with HCSO since 1995.

In accordance with HCSO policy, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.