TAMPA, Fla. - Colleagues of a Hillsborough County Sheriff's eputy shot during a domestic situation Friday night are relieved that she's doing well.
They say Lyonelle DeVeaux was talking, laughing, and in good spirits Saturday night as she recovered in the hospital. For her fellow deputies and friends, it's been an emotional time.
"I've been working with her for a while, so it was hard to hear her on the radio and I couldn't go to her," said Deputy Miguel Galarza, who was shot himself two years ago. He says DeVeaux was there for him.
Another one of her zone partners from District III describes her as an outstanding person. "She can just bring out that lighter side, humorous side. Put you in a good mood," said Deputy Josh Lane.
DeVeaux's colleagues also call her "a fighter" and "tough as nails."
10 News has been told the deputy still needs surgery for a bullet that remains stuck in her shoulder. It's unclear when she'll be back at work, but Deputy Galarza says she joked with him that she'll be back in a week.