Suspect drove 90 miles to kill Citibank employee over $2,500 debt
Police say they were asked to perform a welfare check on the Orlando man hours before he shot a Tampa worker.
By Chioma Kuznetsov ·
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said Jacob Pearson drove approximately 90 miles from Orlando to Tampa to settle a $2,500 debt. Pearson, 35, shot and killed a 41-year-old Citibank employee on Wednesday. The suspect was found dead at the scene after a security guard shot him five times.
Investigators said Pearson called a law firm contracted by Citibank on Wednesday morning. He threatened to arrive with an AR-15 rifle unless his court date was canceled. Citibank’s head of security, a retired Secret Service agent, contacted the Orlando Police Department to request a welfare check. The security chief told officers, “Would you guys mind going out there and doing a welfare check on this individual? This certainly doesn’t sound like something any sane person would say.”
Orlando officers went to Pearson’s apartment complex, but he had already left. His wife told them he seemed angry but did not know his destination. By noon, Pearson crashed through a gate at the Tampa location. He shot the employee once, then grabbed a second gun and shot her again as she crawled away. Authorities said the security guard stopped Pearson from moving further into the building.
Chronister described Pearson’s intent during a Thursday press conference. “He was there intent on one purpose, and that purpose was to hunt any human being he could find and kill,” he said. The sheriff noted that the guard prevented a potential mass shooting. “We’re talking about one loss of life, and it’s one loss of life too many,” Chronister said. “But to see potential in this incident that could’ve been much worse, I stand here very grateful.”
Neighbors at Pearson’s Orlando apartment complex said they were stunned by the news. Kadejah Hopkins, who lives nearby, was outside with her son when police arrived Wednesday night. She locked her doors and did not learn the reason until Thursday afternoon. “It’s good to be aware, but we could walking past a million people, and we don’t even know who they are, what they are or what they do,” Hopkins said.
Investigators reported that Pearson had no prior criminal record. Neighbors described him as a quiet family man often seen with his young daughter. One resident who had spoken with him called him a “nice person.” News 6 knocked on the door of the apartment where he lived with his wife, but no one answered. Pearson’s wife did not respond to messages.
Deputies said Pearson had recently received a summons to appear in court in February regarding the debt. The next court date was scheduled for that month.
