At least 5 people killed at SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida, police say
(CNN) A gunman who barricaded himself in a SunTrust Bank in Florida killed at least five people in the branch on Wednesday, Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said.
The suspect called authorities to say he had entered the bank in Sebring, about 85 miles south of Orlando, and began shooting, according to Hoglund. Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Sebring resident Zephen Xaver, who is in custody.
“We’ve suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime,” Hoglund said.
It wasn’t immediately clear if those shot were bank employees or customers. The victims have not yet been identified and family notifications have not yet been made, according to authorities.
“This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
The incident began with the phone call to authorities from the suspect around 12:36 p.m. He said he had fired shots inside the bank, according to police. Sebring Police and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene.
Initial negotiations to try to get the barricaded suspect to leave the bank were not successful, so a SWAT team entered the bank and continued negotiations.
The suspect eventually surrendered to the SWAT team at the bank along US-27, between Lake Jackson and Little Lake Jackson, police said.
A large number police vehicles and ambulances respond to the SunTrust bank in Sebring, Florida.
The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are assisting in the case.
SunTrust Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers said company officials “are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting” at the branch.
“We are working with officials and dedicating ourselves to fully addressing the needs of all the individuals and families involved. Our entire team mourns this terrible loss,” Rogers said in the statement.
Ron DeSantis
Spoke to both Sheriff Paul Blackman and FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen regarding the tragic shooting in Sebring and offered all the support they may need. Casey and I are praying for the victims and their families.
Sebring in in Highlands County in the south-central part of the state, and had a population of just over 10,000 as of the 2010 US Census.
“We ask that you please keep them in your prayers, keep them in your thoughts,” Hoglund said of the victims. “Help Sebring and our community stay strong.”
CNN’s Hollie Silverman, Joey Hurst, Curt Devine and Kate Trafecante contributed to this report.
