Incident Date/Time: 1/10/2021 at 5:43 AM
Location: 1600 block W. De Leon St.
Suspect Info: Scott Massa, white male (10/01/1969)
Suspect's Vehicle: maroon 2007 Chevy Tahoe
Details: In the early morning hours of January 10, Tampa Police and Tampa Fire Rescue were dispatched to the report of a fire in the 1600 block of W. DeLeon St. Officers arrived on scene and it was quickly determined that a white male, later identified as Scott Massa, had attempted to intentionally set a house on fire.
Early investigation shows Massa broke the window of a residence. Then, as he attempted to throw a bucket full of lit accelerant into the home, it ignited – exploding and setting him on fire. Massa fled the scene. The residence was not set on fire and no occupants were injured.
Canine units attempted to locate Massa, but the trail was lost where it appears he got into his vehicle and drove away. A suspect description, including injuries, was broadcast to all officers. An officer working extra duty at St. Joseph's Hospital recognized the Massa by his obvious injuries when he arrived at the hospital, and he was detained. Massa has since been transported to the Tampa General Hospital burn unit with serious injuries. His vehicle was impounded.
Arson investigators will now take the lead in the investigation to determine the appropriate charges. Massa remains in the hospital.