Deputy Crushed By Car Returns Home For Holidays: Hillsborough Sheriff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Forty-five days after a man with mental health issues intentionally drove into two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Corporal Carlos Brito is finally heading home to his family - just in time for the holidays.

Brito, who was critically injured after being crushed by the car and nearly lost his leg, was discharged Tuesday from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo, HCSO said.

He spent about two weeks at the facility after a month at Tampa General Hospital.

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“I think we all just received the greatest gift knowing that both Corporal Brito and Deputy (Manny) Santos will be home for the holidays,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “ I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as this community has reminded us why we do this job. This outpouring of love that we witnessed today and continue to witness every day allows us to kiss our loved ones goodbye and go out and serve and protect this community, not knowing what might lie ahead.”

As he was discharged, Brito recounted the morning leading up to the horrifying attack, saying he kissed his baby daughter goodbye as she called “Dada” out to him.

"I became a deputy because I wanted to serve and protect," he added. "That day, I got up, I went to work, and we responded to that call to help. Unfortunately, bad things can happen, but I am not one to give up, and soon enough, I’ll be standing back up.”