On Tuesday, March 3, Antonio Gillem Kujawski, 43, was observed acting erratically for over an hour, getting in and out of his vehicle brandishing a firearm while parked outside a methadone clinic located on the 10000 block of N Florida Avenue in Tampa. When officers with the Tampa Police Department made contact with Kujawski, he was found sitting in his vehicle with numerous firearms, approximately 800 rounds of ammunition, zip ties, zip tie cutters, a bulletproof vest, a handcuff key and numerous knives. Kujawski was arrested and charged with Reckless Display of a Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Handcuff Key. He was taken for a mental health evaluation and later booked at Falkenburg Road Jail.
While in custody, the Tampa Police Department obtained a Risk Protection Order (RPO) on Kujawski. On Thursday, March 5, Kujawski made statements to a detention deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office that he had numerous firearms at his home in Tampa and at a relative's home in Gibsonton. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office served two search warrants where 28 firearms (handguns and long guns) were located, in addition to thousands of rounds of ammunition.
"I'm extremely grateful for the men and women of the Tampa Police Department and the everyday partnership we share in keeping our community safe. Fortunately, because of our Red Flag Law, a tragedy more than likely has been prevented, and this individual has an opportunity to get the help he needs," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan added, “It’s important that we took these guns out of the hands of Antonio Kujawski while he gets help. Collaborating with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in any case is essential to helping law enforcement keep our communities safe for all.”
