A 28-year-old man, Michael Shaheen, suspected of a recent shooting incident, took his own life following hours of SWAT negotiations on Tuesday, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Suspect Linked to Early-Morning Shooting on East Hillsborough Avenue
Shaheen was connected to a shooting that occurred last Friday around 3:45 a.m. on the 1700 block of East Hillsborough Avenue, according to the police. The victim, a man in his early 60s, sustained a gunshot wound to the chest but survived after being treated at a nearby hospital.
Police Surveillance Leads to SWAT Intervention
With Shaheen identified as a suspect in the case, police obtained a warrant to search his 2007 Honda Accord. On Tuesday night, officers observed the vehicle outside Shaheen’s residence on the 900 block of East 20th Avenue. Shaheen drove around the block before returning home, at which point officers attempted to stop him for the search.
SWAT Negotiations End Tragically
Despite multiple commands from officers, Shaheen refused to exit his vehicle, leading the Tampa Police Department’s SWAT team to take over, using negotiation tactics and less-than-lethal methods. Shaheen, however, barricaded himself inside the car, and after more than three hours of negotiation, he ceased communication.
Suspect Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot
When SWAT members approached, they discovered Shaheen had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away. Authorities have not released further details at this time.
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