Suspect Jacob Pearson Identified in Deadly Tampa Citibank Shooting Over Debt

Details of the Tampa Citibank Shooting

A corporate campus in Hillsborough County became the site of a fatal shooting when an Orlando man targeted workers following a dispute over a financial obligation. Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old jacob pearson, who had no prior criminal record before the incident.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the violence stemmed from a court summons regarding a delinquent $2,500 credit card bill owed to Citibank. Prior to the attack, Pearson placed a phone call to a collection firm contracted by the bank, issuing an armed threat if the legal action was not dismissed.

Events at the Corporate Campus

Pearson drove over an hour to the Citibank Center in Brandon, crashing his vehicle through a courtyard gate as sheriff's deputies arrived at the location. Investigators stated that he immediately targeted 41-year-old learning advisor LeAnne Selmon in the courtyard before his rifle malfunctioned. When the victim attempted to crawl away, Pearson retrieved a handgun from his car and returned to execute her.

Following the courtyard attack, Pearson entered the facility's cafeteria, where roughly 3,200 employees were attempting to hide or evacuate. Newly released video footage captured the chaotic response of deputies entering the building to clear the facility and assist workers.

Response and Ongoing Investigation

The gunman's progression inside the cafeteria was halted by John Fraley, a Citibank security guard, vice president of operations, and trained Marine Corps veteran. Fraley took a tactical position and returned fire, striking Pearson five times. Paramedics transported Pearson to Tampa General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the mass evacuation, four other employees sustained minor injuries—including a busted lip, fall abrasions, chest pains, and precautionary hospital visits for a pregnant worker—all of whom were subsequently treated and released. Investigators are still working to determine how Pearson acquired his weapons and bulletproof vest, as well as whether he had any prior interactions with the victim.

Sources: FOX 13 Tampa Bay, wtsp.com, Tampa Bay Times.