Woman killed, security guard injured in shooting at Citibank complex near Tampa

A woman was killed and several others were injured Wednesday after a gunman opened fire at a Citibank complex outside Tampa, Florida.

(CNN)- A woman was killed and several others were injured Wednesday after a gunman opened fire at a Citibank complex outside Tampa, Florida.

According to authorities, the suspect drove over several medians and a grassy area before crashing through a fence and stopping in a courtyard where people were eating lunch.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people scrambled to escape.

“I was right outside the cafeteria having lunch on the benches outside. We were just eating,” one witness said.

Authorities say the gunman exited his vehicle carrying a rifle and fatally shot a woman. A security guard employed by Citibank confronted the suspect, and the two exchanged gunfire inside the cafeteria.

“The security guard that’s employed by Citibank stopped the threat,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Frank Losat.

Body camera footage captured the law enforcement response following the confrontation. Authorities say the suspect was shot and later died at a local hospital. The security guard was injured, and at least four other people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Losat praised the security guard’s actions, saying the confrontation may have prevented additional violence.

“Was there a potential for further violence? Absolutely. So kudos to that security guard and the people they employ,” Losat said.

Witnesses said the shooting was difficult to process, especially after hearing about similar incidents in the news.

“I feel like I hear it all the time and just never been through it, so it’s unreal until it happens for the first time,” one witness said.