LITHIA, Fla. — A 71-year-old man was arrested in Hillsborough County after deputies say he assaulted two women, grabbing them by their throats, over an "altercation" about politics.
It happened on Election Day at about 12:30 p.m. in Lithia, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies say that a man named Stuart McMillan "pulled one of the victim's flags" and "grabbed her hair and throat." When the second woman tried to help, McMillan allegedly charged at her and grabbed her by the throat as well.
"Through investigative means, deputies determined that a disagreement over political candidates escalated, leading McMillan to become physical with both women," the sheriff's office wrote in a press release.
This all is said to have transpired down the street from the Palmetto Club at the Fishawk Ranch polling location. The sheriff's office said the two women were there "expressing their freedom of speech."
"Our community is built on respect and understanding, even when opinions differ," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Violence has no place in our community, and we will hold anyone accountable who disrupts the safety and civility of our neighborhoods here in Hillsborough County."
McMillan was arrested on Wednesday and the sheriff's office is pursuing two charges of battery against him.
