Zephen Xaver, a 21-year-old from Sebring, Florida, has been identified as the man taken into police custody following the shooting and hostage situation that unfolded at the SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida. “Multiple” people were reportedly shot during the incident and Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund says that at least five people were killed.
Police provided the suspect’s identity in a 4:30 p.m. news conference at the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
What Happened?
According to the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 12:36 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, the Sebring Police Department responded to the SunTrust Bank at 1901 US 27 South in Sebring after Xaver contacted authorities himself and reported that he had open fired shots inside of the SunTrust bank location.
After Xaver contacted police, Sebring Police Department officers, deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 units and the SWAT team responded to the scene.
Xaver eventually surrendered to police after killing “at least” five people. The names of the five victims have not been released at this time.
A spokesperson on behalf of SunTrust said that the bank is cooperating with authorities:
“We are working closely with officials and seeking to take care of everyone involved. We will provide more information as soon as we can.”
At this time, Xaver’s motive is not known at this time. Local and state police, in addition to the FBI, is currently investigating the case.
Sheriff Paul Blackman gave the following statement to reporters:
“The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the Sebring Police Department as well as the FDLE in an attempt to make sure a thorough investigation is done regarding this incident. Currently, we have our investigators, our criminal investigations unit, working alongside the detectives from the Sebring Police Department doing interviews, doing search warrants and conducting crime scene property and evidence collection.”
At this time, an additional press conference is scheduled for Thursday morning at 11 a.m.
Who Is Zephen Xaver?
Zephen Xaver, 21, is the suspect responsible for today’s active shooting and hostage situation at the SunTrust Bank in Sebring, Florida. Xaver, who is reportedly from Sebring, Florida, is currently in police custody.
Xaver’s Facebook profile includes a disturbing cover photo of what appears to be the grim reaper. The Facebook page, which identifies his residence as Sebring, Florida, only has nine friends. Additionally, his Facebook page indicates that Xaver is originally from Plymouth, Indiana.
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That is all the information available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available.