A suicidal man who barricaded himself inside a warehouse in Winter Haven is believed to be dead, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

According to deputies, 39-year-old Michael Phillips set his building, Polk Plumbing, on fire on Executive Road and exchanged gunfire with SWAT members.

"It was a war zone for a few minutes," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a press conference on Friday evening.

The situation started last night when Phillip's mother attempted to take him to the hospital for assistance in the area of U.S. 17 and Smith Road, north of Bartow, stating that he was mentally distraught. Officials said at Phillips jumped from the car with a firearm, fired one shot into the air and ran into the woods.

Officials attempted to look for him, but were unsuccessful.

Around 2 p.m. deputies received another call from Phillips' mother stating that Phillips was at his business and he was dangerous.

Phillips' mother told deputies she did not believe he would come out alive.

SWAT team started negotiating with Phillips, but he told them if they "breach the door," he would blow the place up and everyone will die.

When deputies started pushing a vehicle out of the way, Phillips started shooting at SWAT members. Phillips' first shot hit a SWAT medic in the shoulder. The medic was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and is currently in good condition, officials said.

During that period of time, the building caught fire for unknown reasons.

"There were more shots exchanged and then everything went silent," Judd said.

Polk County Fire Rescue is currently working to extinguish the fire.