Five people have been killed after a gunman barricaded himself in a SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida and started shooting.
The 21-year-old suspect called the police and stated that he had fired shots inside the bank. “I have shot five people,” the attacker said, according to Sebring Police.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sebring resident Zephen Xaver, who is now in custody.
Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund called Xaver a “senseless criminal doing a senseless crime” during a press conference on Wednesday evening.
The victims have not yet been identified and family notifications have not yet been made, according to authorities.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office released a statement which reads: “At approximately 12:36 p.m. today, the Sebring Police Department responded to the SunTrust Bank at 1901 US 27 South in Sebring.
“A subject contacted dispatch and reported that he had fired shots inside the bank. SPD officers and deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and established a perimeter.”
The statement adds: “After negotiations to try to get the barricaded subject to exit the bank were not successful, the HCSO SWAT team entered the bank and continued the negotiations. The suspect eventually surrendered to the HCSO SWAT team. The situation is confined to the bank and there is no danger to the surrounding area. US 27 continues to be closed in both directions from Golfview Drive to Lakeview Drive.”
CNN conducted an interview with Zephen Xaver’s father, who said: “I’m heartbroken for my son. I’m heartbroken for the victims. He wasn’t raised to be like this. He’s always been a good kid. He’s had his troubles, but he has never hurt anyone ever before. This is a total shock.”
Florida Governor Ron De Santis also released a statement, which read: “This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring. I’ve directed FDLE to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.”
This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 23, 2019
I’ve directed FDLE to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 23, 2019
Main image via FOX 13 News – Tampa Bay
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