Jacob Pearson and Citi Bank at the center of a devastating situation after a reported debt dispute turned fatal. Authorities have shared chilling details about what happened at the company’s Tampa campus, including the actions of one employee who stepped in as the situation escalated.
RELATED: Bank of America VP dies after being stabbed by Queens woman in Times Square
Jacob Pearson According to a statement in danger Citi Bank Over $2,500 Debt
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Jacob Pearson, 35, of Orlando traveled to the Tampa Citibank office after becoming angry about receiving a call related to an alleged $2,500 debt. Pearson reported a threat the a lawyer office treatment Citibank at collections, warning he would be look up armed with the AR-15 a rifle and a bulletproof costume if not them canceled the court case
Citibank security alerted the police through texts
Chronister said the attorney general’s office took the risk seriously and contacted Citibank’s head of security, a retired Secret Service agent, who then notified Orlando police and requested a privilege check. However, Pearson had already left Orlando before the officers arrived. The security team also contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and investigators were dispatched to the Tampa campus, where approximately 3,200 employees work.
Veterans Security Officer Stops Gunman, Suspect Kills 1
Authorities say Pearson crashed his vehicle through a gate and entered the campus courtyard, where he encountered Citibank employee Leanne Selman, 41, and killed her. After his rifle misfired, he returned to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and fatally shot Selman as she tried to drive away. Pearson then made his way to the campus cafeteria, where Sheriff Chronister said he apparently intended to find additional victims.
That’s when Citibank security officer John Fraley, a Marine Corps veteran who is also the company’s vice president of operations, confronted Pearson. According to authorities, Fraley took a tactical position inside the men’s restroom before he set the gun on fire and fired five rounds, which ultimately stopped him. Pearson was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died. Chronister praised Fraley’s actions, saying the security officer’s response prevented the situation from escalating.
RELATED: Christa Pike’s lawyers reportedly warned court about rare blood cancer diagnosis before execution attempt (UPDATED)
What do you think of Roomies?