Tampa Police Investigate Suspicious Items In Vehicle After Suicide

Tampa Police continue to investigate an incident at 11201 McKinley Dr.

Just after 3:30 pm on Wednesday, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staff received a call from a male who stated he was in the parking lot, threatened to have a bomb, and was also making suicidal statements. He also stated plans to drive his car into the building and hurt people.

Tampa Police officers arrived quickly. When they approached the vehicle, the man put a gun to his head. As officers attempted to engage the subject in conversation, he shot himself. Suspicious items, including wires, were observed in the car. The Tampa Police Bomb Team was dispatched to assess the situation.

The Tampa Police Bomb Team is still on scene, continuing their careful and methodical search of the vehicle. During the preliminary vehicle search, officers located two firearms, multiple high capacity magazines, as well as multiple containers of gasoline.

"This clearly had the potential for an even more tragic outcome. Detectives will be working to determine the motives that led to this person's actions," said Chief Bercaw. "In the face of danger, our officers valiantly attempted to encourage this man to see an alternate path for himself. Instead, he died of suicide as the officers actively worked to avoid that result for him. Now the brave members of our Bomb Team will work diligently to ensure no additional threats remain."

This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. The deceased is a white male in his early 60s. Next of kin notification is pending. Updates can be provided as they become available.