Man with weapons, gas tanks in car threatened to drive into FDOT building in Tampa, police say

This story includes reporting from Linnie Supall .

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man who fatally shot himself Wednesday in a parking lot near the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol offices in Tampa had told a receptionist on the phone that he had a bomb and was going to drive his car into the building, according to police.

Officers found multiple weapons, high-capacity magazines and gas tanks inside the man’s car, according to Police Chief Lee Bercaw. As of 9 p.m., officials were still working to identify some of the items in the car, which was described as a small SUV.

“It’s clear that this subject was here to cause harm,” Bercaw said.

Bercaw said the man was in his early 60s, with whom they have no local records. His name will be released once his family is notified.

Officers found the man’s car in the parking lot along McKinley Drive and approached. As they tried to talk to the man, he shot himself, according to police.

Bercaw praised the receptionist for de-escalating the situation and preventing anything from happening until officers arrived.

Both the FDOT and FHP offices were evacuated as a precaution, and McKinley Drive has been closed to traffic, police said.

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