Barricaded gunman found dead inside Tampa apartment after shootout, police say [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man who barricaded himself in a Tampa apartment complex was found dead after a standoff.

According to Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw, a detective and other officers were at the Meridian Pointe Apartments along East Hillsborough Avenue investigating a previous case. The suspect in the case was described as “a young adult male.”

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When officers tried to intercept the suspect, he ran off into an apartment, shooting a gun at law enforcement. The apartment had adults and young children inside, who were able to escape.

“Our officers return fire, and thank goodness again, they’re OK,” Bercaw said.

Hostage negotiators tried to de-escalate the situation for an hour and a half but got no response. Eventually, police entered the apartment and found the gunman’s body in a back bedroom closet.

Bercaw said the nature of the suspect’s death is not yet known, pending further investigation. His …