TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Police: Suspect dead after shooting at officers

Staff image by CHRIS URSO

Four people were at the home when police arrived. Three of the people surrendered, including two suspects and the homeowner.

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: September 24, 2009

Updated: 09/24/2009 07:42 pm

TAMPA - A bank robbery suspect is dead after firing shots at Tampa police officers during a standoff this afternoon.

It's unclear whether the man committed suicide or was shot by officers, Assistant Chief Jane Castor said.

Police say the incident began with a robbery at Grow Financial, 315 S. Boulevard, just before 12:30 p.m. today. Police also are looking into whether the men were part of a group involved in several other recent pawn shop and bank robberies in the area involving people who wore masks or other disguises, Castor said.

The search for the bank robbers at one point led to the lockdown of four schools: Blake High, Stewart Middle, Just Elementary and Dunbar Elementary. Students were kept on campus as police searched a home where they had received a tip they men might be hiding.

Officials lifted the lockdown at around 3:45 p.m. after finding nothing suspicious at that house.

Then late this afternoon, police spotted a car _ a GMC Yukon with four people inside _ that might have been used in the robbery and followed it to near Ybor City.

Police say one of the men in the SUV jumped out and ran off. Meanwhile, a police cruiser and police helicopter continued to follow the SUV.

The vehicle pulled into a driveway at 4216 E. Paris St. One of the three men in the SUV ran away; police caught him about a block away.

The two other men in the vehicle went into the Paris Street home. One turned himself in, as did the person who owned the home, Castor said.

The other man remained inside, and the standoff began.

A police commander called for a tactical unit. When those officers approached the house, the man fired from inside the home, Castor said. The officers fired back eight to 10 times.

Police eventually shot tear gas and gained entry into the house. Inside, they found the man dead with a bullet wound to the head.

The three other people at the scene, including the homeowner, were taken into custody.

A search for the man who jumped from the vehicle near Ybor City continues, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

Stay with TBO.com for updates.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT