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.