POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Ritz Ybor City was closed Sunday. But Saturday, there were hundreds of people inside in potential danger without even knowing it.
“We were all very fortunate last night and this morning because this could have been a bad bad scene," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Judd said Luke Neely went on a rampage early Sunday morning, first trying to start fires around Ybor City.
The sheriff said Neely did manage to ignite the AC unit behind the Ritz.
“I shudder when I think that as it’s reported to me there were a thousand people inside when he obviously tried to set that place on fire," said Judd.
Tampa Police said Neely was caught on camera setting that fire. He also reportedly came back to the scene twice as police investigated.
An officer tried to pull him over, but they said he sped off and was even driving on a sidewalk at one point.
"The pursuit didn't happen because the safety of our residents always comes first, and at that time we may have put innocent drivers and pedestrians on 7th avenue at risk," said Tampa Police Major Eric DeFelice.
He's now charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one count each of carrying a concealed weapon and fleeing from the police in connection to that incident.
But Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he didn't stop there.
According to investigators, Neely went on to North Lakeland and threw seven Molotov cocktails at the home where a woman he’s known since high school lives with her parents.
“Two of them exploded on the house. The others apparently rolled down and were ignited in the yard," said Judd.
The sheriff said a deputy got to the house while the attack was still going on. That led to a chase.
Neely eventually crashed his truck on I-4 near Dinosaur World and tried to run off.
The sheriff’s office said he was carrying two guns, including an AR-15 with 57 rounds.
That’s when they shot him at least three times.
Judd said they don’t know what led to this crime spree or why he targeted a former friend.
“If you saw any of this or saw someone throw a Molotov cocktail in Ybor last night. It’s not the 4th of July. You should never throw them anyway. So give us a call. We need to talk to you," said Judd.
Neely is hospitalized, recovering from the gunshot wounds. But the sheriff said there were non-life-threatening injuries.
He is facing several charges, including arson and three counts of attempted murder.
Polk County deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call Sunday morning regarding an arsonist who was hurling a "Molotov cocktail"-style incendiary weapon at a residence.
The investigation on I-4 led to a stretch of the highway being closed for much of the day.
There was a massive back-up as traffic was re-routed.
