Police: 5 killed in Florida bank shooting, suspect arrested

Authorities say five people have been killed in a shooting at a Florida bank.

News 12 Staff

Jan 23, 2019, 10:27 PM

Updated 1,932 days ago

Share:

Police: 5 killed in Florida bank shooting, suspect arrested
SEBRING, Fla. (AP) - A gunman who opened fire inside a Florida bank Wednesday afternoon killed five people before surrendering to SWAT negotiators, police said.
Zephen Xaver, 21, was arrested after the shooting at a SunTrust branch, Sebring police Chief Karl Hoglund said at a news conference.
"Today's been a tragic day in our community," Hogland said. "We've suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime."
The victims were not immediately identified.
A man called police dispatch Wednesday afternoon and reported that he had fired shots inside the bank, Hoglund said. Initial negotiations failed to persuade the barricaded man to leave the bank, so the Highlands County Sheriff's Office SWAT team entered the building to continue negotiations, and the man eventually surrendered, he said.
Police didn't say what charges Xaver would face or indicate a motive.
Gov. Ron DeSantis was in the region for an infrastructure tour and traveled to Sebring after news of the shooting broke. He said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would assist Sebring police and the Highlands sheriff's office in any way possible.
"Obviously, this is an individual who needs to face very swift and exacting justice," DeSantis said of the gunman.
An FBI mobile command unit arrived at the bank Wednesday evening to join the investigation.
SunTrust Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers released a statement saying the bank is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting.
"We are working with officials and dedicating ourselves to fully addressing the needs of all the individuals and families involved," Rogers said. "Our entire team mourns this terrible loss."
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed


More from News 12
2:56
VOTE 2024: Latimer makes his case for 16th Congressional District seat

VOTE 2024: Latimer makes his case for 16th Congressional District seat

1:44
Scattered showers throughout the weekend; cooler temps ahead

Scattered showers throughout the weekend; cooler temps ahead

2:02
Day laborers banned from seeking work in parking lot of New Rochelle Home Depot protest

Day laborers banned from seeking work in parking lot of New Rochelle Home Depot protest

1:40
Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

1:58
4 teens face hate crime charges in Ramapo, accused of antisemitic drive-by harassment

4 teens face hate crime charges in Ramapo, accused of antisemitic drive-by harassment

1:10
Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

0:27
Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

0:48
Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

1:46
Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

0:30
‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

0:19
Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

1:14
Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

0:40
New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

0:28
Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

0:32
SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

0:38
Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

0:31
Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

0:30
New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

0:21
Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

1:08
Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining

Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining