Suspect Found Dead Following SWAT Operation at Seminole Residence
Pinellas deputies were dispatched to the Timberwood Condominiums located in the 9500 block of 86th Avenue N in Seminole.
The call for service came in at approximately 3:24 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 after reports of a confrontation between neighbors.
When deputies arrived they made contact with the complainant, 44-year-old Jason Suhadolnik. Suhadolnik said that he was outside his townhome working on his truck underneath the carport when he was approached by a neighbor, 65-year-old Cheryl Karpinecz.
Suhadolnik informed deputies that Karpinecz was angry and confronted him because he was working on his truck in front of his home. Suhadolnik said that they got into a verbal argument and Karpinecz punched him in the chest.
Suhadolnik said he told Karpinecz that he was calling the police. Karpinecz walked back towards her residence located at 9535 86th Avenue North, Seminole.
Deputy Obed Munoz was speaking with Suhadolnik near Karpinecz’s residence when Sergeant Tommy Rassier approached Karpinecz’s residence to speak with her about the alleged battery.
Deputies say Sergeant Rassier approached the front of Karpinecz’s residence and saw Karpinecz inside her home through the sliding glass door. Sgt. Rassier approached the sliding glass door when Karpinecz pointed a silver revolver handgun at him.
Sergeant Rassier sought cover and yelled to Deputy Munoz for assistance.
Karpinecz opened the front door to her home and stood in the doorway while deputies gave her verbal commands. Karpinecz refused the deputies directions and retreated back into her home.
Deputies never discharged their firearms.
No further contact was made with the suspect despite utilizing a family member and crisis negotiator.
Deputies set a perimeter around the residence and spent more than four hours trying to establish communication with Karpinecz. Deputies used an armored vehicle and a loud speaker to call out to Karpinecz but received no response.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was activated. At about 8:23 p.m., SWAT Team members made entry into Karpinecz’s residence and found her deceased on a bed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to her head.
No deputies were injured.
Deputies say Karpinecz had a history of mental health issues and Baker Acts
Osceola Middle, Starkey Elementary and Gingerbread School all activated their emergency action plan during the incident.