Crime & Safety
Hillsborough County, FL Deputies Rescue Veteran From Swamp
Tampa, FL – A military veteran experiencing a mental health crisis was safely rescued from a wooded swamp in Hillsborough County on Friday, October 30, after deputies searched the area near Van Dyke R
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-10-31T20:15:06.827Z
Tampa, FL – A military veteran experiencing a mental health crisis was safely rescued from a wooded swamp in Hillsborough County on Friday, October 30, after deputies searched the area near Van Dyke Road and found him standing in water.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded around 5 p.m. Friday after receiving information that the veteran had fled on foot following statements indicating he was experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Deputies began searching the area and eventually located the man deep inside a wooded swamp, where he was standing in the water.
Rather than rushing the encounter, deputies spoke with the veteran and worked to reassure him that he was not alone.
Body camera footage shared by the Sheriff's Office shows deputies navigating the flooded, wooded area while communicating with the man.
The deputies were ultimately able to bring him safely out of the swamp.
Authorities confirmed that the veteran was connected with appropriate care following the rescue.
The Sheriff's Office did not release the man's identity or provide additional information about his medical condition.
The department highlighted the incident in a public statement Saturday, emphasizing the importance of responding compassionately to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
“A veteran who answered the call to serve needed someone to answer his,” the Sheriff's Office wrote.
The agency credited its deputies with helping bring the situation to a safe resolution.
Officials also reminded residents that confidential crisis support is available for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Anyone needing immediate mental health assistance can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Residents in the Tampa Bay area can also dial 211 to connect with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed that the veteran was safely removed from the wooded area and connected with the care he needed.