An armed barricaded suspect was arrested in Tampa after shooting two people.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a man who barricaded himself inside his vehicle after shooting at two people in the parking lot of the Viridian Apartments in Tampa.
The HCSO 911 Communications Center received a call regarding an erratic individual at the apartment complex on Campus Club Court.
When deputies arrived, they learned that the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Andrew Tsinkelis, had fired multiple shots toward a golf cart occupied by the apartment manager and assistant manager. The gunfire shattered the golf cart’s glass, causing the woman inside to suffer minor injuries.
“Tsinkelis had no regard for the safety of those around him as he fired this weapon,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are so fortunate the injury was minor. Additionally, two nearby apartments were hit by stray bullets, and thankfully, no one inside was struck.”
Tsinkelis then barricaded himself inside his vehicle in the apartment parking lot, repeatedly pointing a firearm at his head and exhibiting threatening behavior.
Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Tsinkelis remained inside the vehicle. HCSO’s SWAT Team responded, deploying gas canisters, which were not effective. SWAT advanced with ballistic shields, tased the suspect, and successfully removed him from the vehicle without further incident.
“What could have been a tragic day for our community was prevented by the skill and courage of our deputies and SWAT team. Their training and composure under pressure ensured no innocent lives were lost,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our residents can rest assured that when danger threatens, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will respond with precision and purpose.”
Tsinkelis faced charges including: Attempted Second-Degree Murder with Firearm Discharge (x2), Shooting at or within a Vehicle, Criminal Mischief, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and Battery on a Law-Enforcement Officer.
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
