Man Accused Of Shooting Up Tampa Apartment Complex After Eviction

Tampa FL

17 August, 2021

10:10 AM

Description

TAMPA, FL — Following some tense moments Monday night, Tampa police have arrested a 22-year-old man accused of shooting up a downtown high-rise apartment building with a semi-automatic rifle and pistol Monday night. On Monday at 6:43 p.m., an off-duty Tampa police officer was in the area and heard gunshots coming from the Metro 510 Apartments at 510 E. Harrison St. At the same time, the Tampa Police Department Communications Bureau received more than 75 calls reporting gunfire at the high-rise apartment. The off-duty officer entered the common courtyard area and saw Samario Austin walking from his right to left on the fifth floor with a semi-automatic rifle in one hand and a pistol in the other hand, both in the "low-ready" position as if prepared to fire them. The officer called in an active shooting, believing Austin posed a deadly threat to residents. He then opened fire on Austin but did not strike him. Austin fled to the stairwell. Other Tampa police officers arrived and began clearing the apartment complex units. Police learned Austin went into Apartment 607 and forced their way in. Austin didn't resist arrest. Officers recovered a BB gun, additional magazines and ammunition from Austin's apartment. His pistol and semi-automatic rifle were found in the stairwell between the fifth and sixth floors. During a search of the complex, police found multiple spent shell casings on the third, fifth and sixth floors and multiple bullet holes in walls, doors and windows. According to apartment management, Austin was served a 30-day eviction notice on July 21 for non-payment. During an interview with police, Austin admitted to the shooting, saying he was "mad and high" at the time. He said he targeted the apartments of people who had given him "problems." Austin was charged with three counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling and culpable negligence.