TAMPA, Fla — A suspect who barricaded himself inside a Tampa apartment complex and shot at officers was found dead by authorities on Thursday.
Around 3:30 p.m., a Tampa Police Department (TPD) detective was conducting a follow-up investigation at the Meridian Pointe Apartments, located at 2450 E. Hillsborough Ave. The detective was meeting with the victim of an unrelated incident involving the suspect, who also had an outstanding warrant.
During the investigation, the victim told the detective she saw the suspect at the complex.
When the detective found the suspect, he fled into the breezeway of a nearby building. The detective then chased the suspect and called for backup.
Officers arrived on the scene, and the suspect shot at them. One of those officers returned fire.
The suspect then entered an apartment in the building occupied by adults and young children.
TPD's SWAT team, which includes hostage negotiators, was activated as officers got out of the building. The people in the apartment were also able to leave safely.
Negotiators worked for over an hour to get the suspect to surrender peacefully.
Just before 6 p.m., the suspect was found dead inside a closet in a room of the apartment.
“This was a dangerous situation for our officers and the innocent bystanders,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “While we are thankful no one else was hurt, our goal is always for a peaceful resolution. We will work to support all those impacted today.”
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, according to authorities.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will take the lead in investigating this incident.
A state report says hundreds of frail elderly nursing home residents were stacked side by side, head to toe in a small church with no working air conditioning or refrigerator during Hurricane Helene.
