TAMPA, Fla. – A 29-year-old man with a history of domestic violence was arrested within hours of an arson incident that impacted downtown Tampa’s morning commute today, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).
Strong leads developed by TPD Detectives and Tampa Fire Rescue Arson Investigators quickly connected the suspect to the vehicle fire, which police say stemmed from a domestic dispute.
The incident began at approximately 8:17 a.m. when TPD responded to reports of a man attempting to force entry into a black vehicle near the intersection of N. Ashley Ave. and W. Polk St. Minutes later, a second call reported the exact vehicle was on fire.
Responding officers found a black BMW actively burning from the interior with a smashed rear window. Tampa Fire Rescue quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported.
“From the initial call to the swift arrest, the detailed and rapid response of our entire team is commendable,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Their dedication to following every lead allowed us to take an individual with a history of domestic violence off the street within hours. Tampa is clearly a safer place with this suspect in custody.”
As officers processed the scene, they contacted the vehicle’s owner, who provided the tips they needed. The owner stated that his girlfriend had ongoing domestic violence and stalking issues with her ex-boyfriend.
Detectives rapidly followed up on this lead, identifying the suspect as 29-year-old Serxhio Nokaj. Investigators also found that Nokaj had two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear—Stalking and Failure to Appear—Battery (Domestic Violence).
Just before 10:00 a.m., less than two hours after the initial fire report, Tampa Police located and arrested Nokaj at 2905 W. Bay Court Ave. on the outstanding warrants.
He was additionally charged with:
- Arson
- Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance
- Felony Criminal Mischief
- Possession of Cannabis (more than 20 grams)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Nokaj was transported to the Orient Road Jail. The investigation remains active.
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