Deputies pull suspect out of water after he allegedly stabbed and lit man on fire

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- A 53-year-old man remains in custody at a hospital after allegedly stabbing and lighting another man on fire and threatening to take his own life before fleeing into a body of water.

According to a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, July 19, shortly before 5:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a fire in the 10000 block of Banfield Drive and found a man suffering from upper body trauma and severe burns. Deputies and fire crews transported the victim to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

The Sheriff's Office learned Donnie Adams had allegedly stabbed the victim and fled the scene before emergency crews and deputies arrived at the scene. Before fleeing, Adams reportedly said he was "going to commit suicide."

According to the Sheriff's Office, at around 6 p.m., officials found Adams in Manatee County, where he drove onto the Skyway Bridge, exited the vehicle at the south end, and went into the water.

Sheriff's Office deputies tried negotiating with Adams to come out of the water, but they eventually had to go in and carry the suspect out. The Sheriff's Office shared video of the incident in their news release.

Adams suffered severe burns believed to be self-inflicted, and deputies transported him to a local hospital, where he remains in custody. According to the Sheriff's Office, officials issued an arrest warrant for Adams on charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement, "The efforts of our deputies to engage with the suspect saved his life despite the severity of his injuries."

MORE:

• Detectives Charge Man for Stabbing and Arson - Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office