Police: Hammer-weilding man set fire to apartment

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Police are investigating a fire that happened in Tampa overnight as arson. 

Tampa Fire Rescue responded to the scene at 4324 Bay to Bay Boulevard just before 3:30 a.m. Friday morning, where they saw flames and smoke coming from the second story of an apartment building.

According to a Tampa Fire Rescue spokesperson, when firefighters set their ladder next to the second story window, they saw a man in the window with a hammer trying to prevent them from making entry. 

Other firefighters were able to make entry through the interior entrance of the apartment with Tampa police officers using riot shields to prevent potential injury from the person inside. 

The bedroom door had been barricaded with furniture, but crews were able to breach the door and fight the flames inside. The man inside at this point barricaded himself in the bathroom, according TFR. 

Police took the man into custody. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital and Baker Acted. Authorities say he will likely be charged with felony arson for setting fire to the apartment. 

Residents in the neighboring unit safely evacuated the scene, along with their four pets. No injuries were reported.