A man is in custody and facing a felony arson charge after he allegedly set fire to his South Tampa apartment and threatened firefighters early Friday.
Tampa Fire Rescue responded to 4323 Bay to Bay at 3:20 a.m. to find the man in the apartment unit, threatening them with a hammer from the second story window.
Firefighters and police with riot shields made entry through the inside entrance of the apartment. The man was in the bedroom, barricaded with furniture. Firefighters were able to put water on the fire and brought it under control.
Police found the man barricaded in the bathroom next to the bedroom.
Police took the man into custody and he was transported to Tampa General and Baker Acted.
The man lives in an upstairs unit in the building on Bay to Bay and there are businesses downstairs. Residents in the unit next door got out safely along with their four pets. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Investigators with the State Fire Marshal are on scene to investigate the exact cause of the fire.
Man tries to fight off Tampa firefighters with hammer, he's arrested for arson and Baker acted. Neighbors evacuated. pic.twitter.com/6exIQ7bKKi
— Erik Waxler (@erikwaxler) December 2, 2016
Story Developing. Stay with ABC Action News for updates.
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