**UPDATE**
Tampa Police Department Press Release:
TAMPA, FL. (March 12, 2025) – – Tampa Police have charged 29-year-old Arvin Solimanpoor (white male, 12/10/1995) in connection with an arson and shooting incident that occurred at a multi-business building, located at 5215 N. Lois Ave., early Wednesday morning.
On March 12, 2025, just before 5:00 am, Solimanpoor entered the building and intentionally set it on fire. A witness reported that Solimanpoor fired a gun multiple times while inside the unoccupied building.
Tampa Police officers arrived within minutes and apprehended Solimanpoor as he was dragging brush into the burning structure. Officers discovered a handgun on him and immediately detained him for questioning at the Tampa Police District One office. The gun was collected and placed into evidence.
While battling the fire, a Tampa Fire Rescue Firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital where he was treated for what were thankfully minor injuries and he has since been released.
During his time in custody at the district office, Solimanpoor complained of thirst and was provided a bottle of water by an officer. After damaging a camera inside the holding area, he urinated into the empty water bottle and threw the contents onto a uniformed police officer.
Solimanpoor was charged with Arson with Injury, Shooting at, within, or into a Building, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Felony Criminal Mischief. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.
Initial Report :
Tampa Fire Rescue Press Release :
Structure Fire in Drew ParkTampa Fire Rescue units responded to a structure fire at 5200 block of N. Lois Ave. at 4:55am. First arriving crews were met with heavy smoke conditions and flames through the roof. A second alarm was called requiring additional resources due to the size of the building involved. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.
A primary and secondary search was completed with no occupants in the structure.There were no injuries to civilians. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Tampa Fire Marshal Office investigators.
