Tampa Police charged 29-year-old Arvin Solimanpoor in connection with an arson and shooting incident that occurred at a multi-business building, located at 5215 N. Lois Ave.
On March 12th just before 5:00am, Solimanpoor entered the building and intentionally set it on fire. A witness reported that Solimanpoor fired a gun multiple times while inside the unoccupied building.
Tampa Police officers arrived within minutes and apprehended Solimanpoor as he was dragging brush into the burning structure. Officers discovered a handgun on him and immediately detained him for questioning at the Tampa Police District One office. The gun was collected and placed into evidence.
While battling the fire, a Tampa Fire Rescue Firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital where he was treated for what were thankfully minor injuries and he has since been released.
During his time in custody at the district office, Solimanpoor complained of thirst and was provided a bottle of water by an officer. After damaging a camera inside the holding area, he urinated into the empty water bottle and threw the contents onto a uniformed police officer.
Solimanpoor was charged with Arson with Injury, Shooting at, within, or into a Building, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Felony Criminal Mischief. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.
This remains an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
