TAMPA, FL. (OCTOBER 30, 2025) – – Tampa Police Detectives and Tampa Fire Rescue Arson Investigators developed strong leads that quickly led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man now charged in an arson case that impacted early morning downtown traffic.
“From the initial call to the swift arrest, the detailed and rapid response of our entire team is commendable,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Their dedication to following every lead allowed us to take an individual with a history of domestic violence off the street within hours. Tampa is clearly a safer place with this suspect in custody.”
On October 30, 2025, at approximately 8:17 am, Tampa Police responded to the report of a male subject actively trying to force entry into a black vehicle near the intersection of N. Ashley Ave. and W. Polk St. A second call was received minutes later, reporting the same vehicle was now on fire. Responding officers located a black BMW actively burning from the interior with a smashed rear window. Tampa Fire Rescue quickly arrived to extinguish the flames.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although the incident did impact traffic on Polk St. during the morning commute.
As officers gathered evidence at the scene, they contacted the vehicle’s owner, who provided crucial information. The owner stated that his girlfriend had ongoing domestic violence and stalking issues with her ex-boyfriend, immediately suggesting a possible suspect. Detectives quickly followed up on these leads, identifying the suspect as 29-year-old Serxhio Nokaj (white male, 12/18/1995), and determined he had two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear-Stalking and Failure to Appear-Battery (Domestic Violence).
Just before 10:00 am, Tampa Police located and arrested Nokaj at 2905 W. Bay Court Ave. on the outstanding warrants. He was additionally charged with Arson, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Felony Criminal Mischief, Possession of Cannabis (more than 20 grams), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Orient Road Jail.
This remains an active investigation.