Quick action from Tampa Police Detectives and Tampa Fire Rescue Arson Investigators led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man linked to an incident of arson which interrupted downtown Tampa's morning traffic. As reported by the City of Tampa's official website, Chief Lee Bercaw praised the responsiveness of the team involved: "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."
The incident began on a Wednesday morning when police responded to a call at around 8:17 am about a man trying to force entry into a vehicle on N. Ashley Ave., and W. Polk St. Soon after, a second call came in stating the same black BMW was now ablaze, authorities moved in to secure the area and Tampa Fire Rescue extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported although, the incident created a snarl in traffic during the pivotal time of morning commute.
Investigating officers contacted the car's owner who indicated that his girlfriend had been dealing with domestic violence and stalking issues with her ex-boyfriend, thus opening up leads into a possible suspect’s identity. Detectives zeroed in on Serxhio Nokaj, aged 29, whose prior entanglements with the law included two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear related to charges of Stalking and Battery, stemming from domestic violence allegations.
Less than two hours after the initial reports, Nokaj was located and apprehended by Tampa Police at 2905 W. Bay Court Ave. According to the official statement, he was charged with multiple offenses including Arson, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Felony Criminal Mischief, a Possession of Cannabis (more than 20 grams) and, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Nokaj was taken to the Orient Road Jail as the investigation continued.
