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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Madeline Sherratt

Florida man accused of setting fire to strip club and throwing urine-filled bottle at cop

A Florida man has been accused of setting fire to a strip club and throwing a urine-filled bottle at a cop.

Tampa Police said that the gunman fired his weapon multiple times inside the empty Pink Pony Showgirls strip club in Tampa at around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, and intentionally set it on fire.

Cops responded within minutes and apprehended the suspect as he was dragging brush into the burning structure, a Tampa Police spokesperson said. Pictures from the scene showed smoke billowing out of the building.

Officers say they retrieved a handgun from the suspect they named as Arvin Solimanpoor, 29, after he was taken into custody.

Tampa Police officers arrived within minutes and apprehended Solimanpoor as he was dragging brush into the burning structure (Tampa Fire Rescue)

Tampa Police say that when he was in custody Solimanpoor complained he was thirsty and was given a water bottle by officers.

It is alleged he damaged a camera inside the police holding area, urinated in the empty bottle and threw it at an officer.

Solimanpoor is now facing charges of arson with injury, shooting within a building, weapon possession during a felony, battery on an officer, and criminal mischief. He was taken to Orient Road Jail.

The 29-year-old is being held at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa (Tampa PD)

Fire crews shut down traffic around the venue during the blaze at the strip club and advised residents to avoid the area. One firefighter was injured during the incident.

“While battling the fire, a Tampa Fire Rescue Firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and has since been released,” a statement from Tampa Police said.

Police said the investigation remains active.

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