Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are conducting a death investigation on the 3900 block of Van Dyke Road in Lutz.
On May 27, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., a 911 call came in about a vehicle fire on the side parking lot of a shopping center. When they arrived, deputies discovered a deceased adult male inside the car.
Witnesses told detectives they saw the flames and tried to rescue the man, but were unsuccessful.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. At this time, detectives are working with the Fire Marshal and the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. An autopsy will follow. The process to identify the victim is underway, but could take some time given the severity of the burns.
"We applaud the bystanders who tried to rescue this man from the burning vehicle," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Unfortunately, the intensity of the flames made it impossible. Our deputies are working to find out what caused the fire and the nature of this man's death. We ask anyone who saw or heard something to please give us a call at (813) 247-8200."
The Public Affairs Office will release updates on this case as they become available.
May 27, 2020
Public Affairs Office | piocommandcenter@hcso.tampa.fl.us
(813) 247-8060