The following footage is from a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, captured by thermal camera. It records an attempted ambush and home invasion, perpetrated by three individuals plus a getaway driver.

At approximately 0:02 seconds, we see the lookout posting up against the side of the adjacent building. His position is tagged at 0:26 seconds as the camera changes angle, covering the other two suspects’ approach to the target’s front door. They approach from the bottom of frame. The rightmost of the pair takes a longer run around the vehicle parked in the driveway, throwing a brick at the door in order to bait out their target at 0:35. The pair then wait in ambush at the corner of the house.

The lookout is illuminated with a spotlight at 01:05. The camera then shifts to cover the ambushers as they flee to the getaway vehicle. The driver fails spectacularly at his one job (driving) and the vehicle crashes at 01:27, forcing the occupants to flee on foot (Always vet your wheelman!). The HCSO Deputies dismount in pursuit at 01:38 as the suspects throw their weapons over the wall and scale it. Two of the three make it over, followed by the helicopter whilst the third is arrested off-camera. At 02:40, the helicopter pilot guides the ground unit toward the suspect At 03:11, the Deputy calls out the suspect, who goes prone.

Three Glock handguns were recovered, and an AR-15, two magazines and an apparently unrelated Smith and Wesson .40 cal drum magazine were found in the vehicle. The suspects arrested were charged as follows:

Suspect #1, 19 years of age: Aggravated fleeing to elude, fleeing to elude, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony, throwing a deadly missile (the brick), resisting without violence.

Suspect #2, 18 years of age and Suspect #3, 20 years of age: Throwing a deadly missile, possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony, resisting without violence.

Suspect #4, 21 years of age: Throwing a deadly missile, possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony, resisting without violence (two counts).

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.