HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A man is facing charges after threatening utility workers who were restoring power following Hurricane Milton, deputies say.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the incident happened just after 3 p.m. Monday when power line crews were working on restoring power in the area of McIntosh Road and Tomar Drive in Thonotosassa. The roadway was partially blocked, causing traffic delays in the area.
While crews were working, 57-year-old Kenneth Ray Velasco became impatient, backed his vehicle into a utility pole and fence and then attempted to flee the scene, HCSO said. The damages were reported to be around $1,000.
Powerline crews reportedly tried to stop Velasco from leaving, but he then threatened to shoot them.
Detectives say Velasco then drove toward the linemen, who jumped out of the way of the vehicle. HCSO says no one was seriously hurt from this incident.
Deputies later spotted Velasco's vehicle in the area and conducted a traffic stop, where he was arrested without incident.
Velasco is charged with aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief for vandalism of property.
"Linemen have been working tirelessly to restore power after the storm. For this person to threaten their lives and deliberately endanger them, all because of a traffic delay, shows a disturbing lack of regard for the safety of others and the critical work being done," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We're grateful no one was seriously hurt, and this suspect will face the full extent of the law for his egregious crimes."
HCSO is still investigating this incident.
