A Man From Lakeland Was Shot by Deputies After He Tried to Fire a Tampa Nightclub and Tossed Molotov Cocktails at a Home. On Sunday, near Dinosaur World on I-4, allegedly attempted to start fires in numerous Lakeland and Tampa houses and businesses.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated at a press conference on Sunday evening that at 8:12 a.m., officers were called in response to a report of a man throwing “Molotov cocktail-type incendiary weapons” into the roof of a north Lakeland residence. That individual was eventually identified as Luke Neely, 30, of Lakeland.
Judd claimed that the alleged arsonist got into a Chevrolet vehicle and left. Deputies attempted two PIT manoeuvres to stop the truck while pursuing it. Judd reported that a deputy cracked his wrist while trying the PIT, but Neely continued on I-4 in the direction of the west without stopping.
Also, Check:
- MT Prospect Shooting: When a Car Theft Attempt is Stopped, Shots Are Fired at the House
- Jackson Reed Shooting: Jackson-Reed High School in Northwest DC Lifts Lockdown After Gunshots
Deputies reportedly blocked the truck after Neely slowed down at Branch Forbes Road in Hillsborough County and tried to flee. Judd quoted With an AR-15-style gun in his hand, Neely got out of the truck and started racing towards the Dinosaur World t-rex statue. Once in the left leg, twice in the right leg, and once in the crotch, Neely was struck by bullets from deputies.
And we’ve permanently altered the way his groyne looks, Judd added. If you understand what I mean. According to the sheriff’s office, Neely also allegedly carried a weapon. He was brought to the hospital and is likely to make it. Neely was also named a suspect in numerous arsons in Tampa’s Ybor City neighbourhood earlier in the day.
Judd said he attempted to light a tree on fire near 16th Avenue and 6th Street to start the alleged spree. Neely allegedly lit an air conditioning unit on fire behind the Ritz Ybor at around 2:41 in the morning. At the time, 1,000 individuals were present, according to Sheriff Judd.
Neely was allegedly trying to set a tree and fence on fire when he was seen again at 3:33 in the morning at 6th Ave. & 19th St. About 45 minutes later, he was charged with igniting a trash fire at Gaspar’s Grotto.
Judd reported that “he went on a rampage in Ybor last night.” Fortunately, he was unsuccessful in setting anything on fire, but the thought of 1,000 people inside the Ritz makes me uncomfortable.
The alleged arsonist was last seen in north Lakeland before he reappeared. Judd claimed Neely attended school with a woman who resided in the house he is accused of firebombing and had supposedly repeatedly “creeped her out” over the years. Judd stated, “He hasn’t been actively stalking her. We’d describe it as more passive stalking, but he always left after being told to by her.
The following charges against Neely are pending in Polk County, and more are expected:
- 3 counts of attempted first-degree murder
- 1 count of arson
- 7 counts of firebombing
- 1 count of resisting arrest
Judd stated that additional charges against Neely for the alleged acts in Hillsborough County have not yet been made public. The three Polk County deputies’ use of force is currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department’s allegations against Neely’s use of force will also be examined by the State Attorney’s Office.
READ MORE:
- UVA Victims Shooting: A Family Acquaintance Claims the UVA Gunshot Victim is No Longer Intubated and Out of ICU
- A Teen Was Shot And Killed In An Off-campus Apartment Near Kutztown University
The only other person hurt, except one of our deputies who suffered a wrist injury, was the arsonist who escaped from our deputies after threatening them, according to Judd. “I am very grateful for this.”
You might want to check out our website if the details are helpful. The content of lakecountyfloridanews.com is constantly updated with the most recent information, so I hope you will add it to your list of favourite websites.
