Release updated on 05/02/2025 at 7:25 PM

The Tampa Bomb Squad determined that the suitcase was empty and a suspect was identified and arrested. 

Summary

At 2:25 pm, an employee noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at the loading dock of the Police Department and notified the Watch Commander. During a perimeter check, the officer found a suspicious suitcase underneath a Forensics Unit van.

Security video showed a woman drive up in the vehicle and leave it in the loading dock of the Police Department. She is seen pulling a large brown suitcase from the vehicle, walking around a wall, under a security barrier, and into a restricted area with the suitcase.

Later, the suitcase was located under a Forensics Unit Van.

The woman has been identified as Rebekkah Westermeyer, DOB 5/24/98.

The parking garage was blocked off, and all local businesses north and east of the building were evacuated in an abundance of caution. The Tampa Bomb Squad was alerted to respond.

At 2:49 pm, officers received a call about a person shot at 249 4th Ave N. Upon arrival, a woman matching the description of the suspect barricaded herself inside an apartment. A short time later, SWAT was able to take her into custody without incident.

Westermeyer will face charges for:

- Abuse of 911

- Manufacture, possession, or threatened use of a hoax weapon of mass destruction

Police Report 2025-015282