CLEARWATER, Fla. — We're learning more about the man behind the devil mask in the surveillance video that shocked Tampa Bay.
Police say Michael Rudman, 44, tried to enter the Mons Venus nightclub early Sunday morning. Security guards were able to tackle him and police called the men heroes who likely prevented a mass shooting.
"He had a fully loaded 9 millimeter in one hand and a flashlight in the other," Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw told reporters.
Investigators found two fully loaded magazines in his pocket and nine knives, two gun holsters, and loose ammunition in Rudman's truck.
"He did not want to stay on the ground, he wanted destruction, he wanted to murder or be murdered," said Manuel “Manny” Resto, the first security guard to tackle Rudman and pin him to the ground.
10 Tampa Bay talked to neighbors at Westchester Apartments in Clearwater who have known the man in the devil mask for years. They said they're relieved he's in jail and can't terrorize them anymore.
"He used to tell me basically that he was the devil's son," Tonya Robertson said.
Robertson said Rudman was the former landlord at Westchester Apartments. Records show Rudman sold the property last month and tenants believe he pocketed their money prior to the sale. Clearwater Police had been investigating.
People who live at Westchester Apartments said Rudman lived in one of the units and would often collect their money ahead of the due date and demand they pay him in cash.
Robertson and other tenants said he would often wear devil masks and walk around with axes and hatchets.
"It's got horns here, a red face, little bit of silver in it," Robertson said. "He used to have them hanging all on his cabinets, eight of them."
Tenants also had skull rings and beads that had been left outside his old apartment.
Weeks ago, Robertson even filed a restraining order and a lawsuit against Rudman.
"We have text messages from Mr. Rudman making threats, cursing, using offensive vulgar language," said Young Kim, an attorney with Consumer Law Attorneys who's representing Robertson.
Now Rudman's in jail without bond.
"It's a relief. I can breathe again, I can walk outside and know I'm going to be safe when I walk out my door," Robertson said.
Since 10 Tampa Bay first reported on their situation, tenants have received donations from local charities and some are getting free legal help to deal with their housing issues after Rudman sold the property.