Man tries to enter MacDill Air Force Base with AR 15, calls himself Captain America

In an incident last month, a 33-year-old Tampa man, Baruche Roche II, attempted to enter MacDill Air Force Base carrying an AR-15 rifle and more than 100 rounds of ammunition, as outlined in federal court documents, released on December 19.

When stopped at the base’s entrance on Nov. 3, Roche, who identified himself as “Captain America,” refused to provide ID, claiming he had a meeting with a general to share top-secret information related to his purported work with the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

Despite becoming argumentative and threatening to return daily if denied entry, Roche was detained due to his erratic behavior and mental condition.

A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a Colt AR-15 rifle and five magazines containing a total of 125 rounds.

The Tampa Police Department’s behavior health unit was summoned, and Roche, citing mental health issues and medication, was involuntarily hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act.

Roche faces charges of possessing a firearm in a federal facility. On Dec. 13, the court granted his request to travel to Georgia for a family law case and visitation with his child.

Represented by his attorney, Roche entered a not guilty plea on Dec. 14, with the trial scheduled for Feb. 5, 2024.