Tampa Police Charge Man in Connection with Lois Ave. Arson and Gunfire

TAMPA, FL. (March 12, 2025) - - Tampa Police have charged 29-year-old Arvin Solimanpoor (white male, 12/10/1995) in connection with an arson and shooting incident that occurred at a multi-business structure located at 5215 N. Lois Ave. 

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, just before 5:00 am, Solimanpoor entered the building and intentionally set it on fire. A witness reported that Solimanpoor fired a gun multiple times while inside the unoccupied building. 

Tampa Police officers arrived within minutes and apprehended Solimanpoor as he was dragging brush into the burning structure. Officers discovered a handgun on him and immediately detained him for questioning at the Tampa Police District One office. 

While battling the fire, a Tampa Fire Rescue Firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and has since been released. 

During his time in custody at the district office, Solimanpoor complained of thirst and was provided a bottle of water by an officer. After damaging a camera inside the holding area, he urinated into the empty water bottle and threw the contents onto a uniformed police officer. 

Solimanpoor was charged with Arson with Injury; Shooting at, within, or into a Building; Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony; Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer; and Felony Criminal Mischief. He was transported to Orient Road Jail. 

This remains an active investigation. Additional information may be provided as it becomes available.