Gunman Angry Over $2,556 Credit Card Debt Kills Citibank Employee Outside Tampa-Area Office Before Former Marine Security Guard Shoots Him Dead, Sheriff Says
TAMPA, FLORIDA — A Florida man upset over a $2,556 credit card debt drove to a Citibank corporate office near Tampa on Wednesday and fatally shot the first employee he saw before a security guard killed him in an exchange of gunfire, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff.
Authorities identified the gunman as Jacob Pearson, 35, of Orlando. The victim was Leanne Selman, 41, a nine-year Citibank employee.
Key Facts in the Shooting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Jacob Pearson, 35, of Orlando (killed) |
| Victim | Leanne Selman, 41, Citibank employee for nine years |
| Location | Citibank corporate office near Tampa |
| Time | Around noon Wednesday |
| Security guard | John Fraley, former Marine and vice president of operations |
| Debt at issue | $2,556.40 in credit card debt |
A Threatening Call Hours Before the Shooting
Sheriff Chad Chronister said Pearson called a Citibank attorney that morning, “irate” after receiving a court summons over his unpaid balance.
According to the sheriff, Pearson threatened to come to the office with an AR-15, a bulletproof vest and his “insanity” unless the case was dropped, warning he was only about an hour away.
Warnings Sent, but the Gunman Had Already Left
The attorney reported the threat, and Citibank security and law enforcement were alerted. Officers went to Pearson’s Orlando home, but his wife told them he had already left.
The security guard also contacted the sheriff’s office. Deputies were arriving and speaking with the guard when they heard gunshots.
Victim Had No Connection to the Gunman
Investigators say Pearson drove through a gate into the courtyard, got out and shot the first person he saw, Selman. When his rifle jammed, the sheriff said he went back to his car for a handgun and returned to shoot her again.
Chronister said there was “zero connection” between Selman and Pearson, adding that the gunman came with one goal: to hunt anyone he could find.
Former Marine Security Guard Stops the Attack
Pearson then entered the cafeteria, sending people running, and moved deeper into the building. The guard, John Fraley, took a tactical position in a men’s restroom after hearing shots.
When Pearson entered, Fraley opened fire, striking him five times and killing him. The sheriff called the guard’s actions “heroic.”
Massive Response and Evacuation
According to Chief Deputy Frank Losat, speaking to CNN:
- More than 300 law enforcement officers responded
- More than 3,000 employees were evacuated
- The evacuation took about two and a half hours
Court Records Show the Debt Case
Court records in Orange County show Citibank filed a complaint against Pearson on October 23, saying he owed $2,556.40. The bill was dated July 4, and a court hearing had been set for February 15.
Father Says He Saw No Warning Signs
Pearson’s father, Richard Pearson, told the Associated Press he had never seen any sign his son was capable of such violence.
How Debt Collection Lawsuits Usually Work
A consumer debt attorney, Scott Florin, told the AP that banks in Florida typically wait at least six months before suing over missed payments. It is not clear how long Pearson’s debt was overdue before the summons.
Where to Find Help With Debt
- Contact your lender to ask about payment plans
- Seek free credit counseling from nonprofit agencies
- Get legal aid if you receive a court summons
A Community in Mourning
Selman’s death has left coworkers and the Tampa community grieving a woman who, officials say, was simply in the wrong place when the gunman arrived.
Stay with Bchssreport.com for the latest updates on this story.
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