At least five people were killed when a gunman opened fire in a SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida, on Wednesday, police said.
The 21-year-old suspect, Zephen Xaver, barricaded himself inside before later surrendering to authorities, police said.
The suspect had contacted authorities and told them that he fired shots inside the bank, sending officers rushing to the scene around 12:30 p.m., the Sebring Police Department said.
Negotiations to get the barricaded suspect to leave weren’t successful, police said, so a SWAT team was sent in. Negotiations then continued, police said, and the “suspect eventually surrendered.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted, “Please continue to keep the victims and their families in your prayers.”
Police said the situation was “confined to the bank and there is no danger to the surrounding area.”
Sebring is located about 90 miles south of Orlando.
A SunTrust Bank spokesperson said, “We are working closely with officials and seeking to take care of everyone affected at our Sebring, Florida branch.”
This story is developing. Please check back for more updates.
