A Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office detective is recovering after a harrowing armed robbery during an undercover operation in Riverview, Fla.
The incident occurred on July 18, 2025, when detectives from the agencys Special Investigations Division Gang Unit arranged a narcotics transaction with individuals operating a social media account that had offered to sell THC vape pens, marijuana, and Oxycodone. The meeting point was set at the Reflections Apartment Complex in Riverview.
When the undercover detective arrived, two suspects — identified as a 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old Christopher Samuels — approached. What started as a drug deal quickly escalated when both suspects brandished firearms, threatened the detective, and pressed their guns against his body while demanding cash. After robbing the detective, they attempted to steal his vehicle but ultimately fled on foot when unsuccessful.
A video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the undercover drug transaction underway. The undercover detective appears to be counting out cash for the suspects when they suddenly point a gun at him and tell him to get out of the car.
“I’m getting out the car bro, take it with you,” the detective says.
When the suspects get into the car and prepare to drive away, one says, “he’s calling,” seeming to refer to the undercover detective calling authorities. The suspects then flee the vehicle on foot.
Authorities quickly launched a coordinated effort to locate the suspects. The juvenile was arrested at his sisters residence in Tampa. He was already facing an active juvenile pickup order and has a significant criminal history, including 26 prior felony arrests and 10 misdemeanor arrests, the sheriff’s office said. He now faces charges of armed carjacking, robbery with a firearm, minor in possession of a firearm, armed burglary of a conveyance, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Samuels was apprehended in Auburndale with assistance from the Polk County Sheriffs Office, Auburndale Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. He has prior arrests, including battery on a law enforcement officer, and is currently under investigation in other felony cases, the sheriff’s office said. He faces the same set of charges as the juvenile in connection to the armed robbery.
A third suspect, 18-year-old Ce’Dreon Davis, was identified as the getaway driver after surveillance footage showed him picking up the juvenile and Samuels after the robbery. Davis has been arrested and charged as an accessory to armed carjacking, robbery with a firearm, and armed burglary of a conveyance.
“In a split second, this incident could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The fact that our detective walked away unharmed is nothing short of a miracle. Our deputies put their lives on the line every single day to protect this community from the violent individuals who threaten it, and we will never stop pursuing justice.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
