Crime

Suspect surrenders after barricading himself in Westin hotel room in downtown Sarasota

By Ryan Callihan
Police are searching for Ryan Flanzer, 25, who was allegedly captured on video surveillance after he reportedly used a badge and tactical vest to pose as a process server and enter an apartment building. Police say he shot into an apartment unit but there were no injuries.
Police are searching for Ryan Flanzer, 25, who was allegedly captured on video surveillance after he reportedly used a badge and tactical vest to pose as a process server and enter an apartment building. Police say he shot into an apartment unit but there were no injuries. Sarasota Police Department
Sarasota

The suspect in a Sarasota shooting surrendered to police after barricading himself in hotel room at the Westin Hotel in downtown Sarasota, according to authorities.

Police in Sarasota were searching for Ryan Flanzer, 25, who allegedly used a tactical vest and a badge to pose as a process server to enter an apartment building.

According to an email from Lieutenant Rex D. Troche of the Sarasota Police Department, no shots were fired and no one was injured during Flanzer's surrender Saturday evening.

Around 12:10 p.m. Saturday, Sarasota police say Flanzer fired several rounds into the door of an apartment unit in the 1300 block of Main Street. The home was unoccupied and there were no injuries.

Flanzer fled in a dark-colored SUV with a Florida license plate, Y14XJN, and was wanted for shooting at an unoccupied dwelling.

Video surveillance appeared to capture Flanzer wearing a camouflage shirt and pants and white sneakers. He was also seen carrying a handgun, police say.

Police believe the shooting to be a targeted incident.

This story was originally published May 5, 2018 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Suspect surrenders after barricading himself in Westin hotel room in downtown Sarasota."

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