Chaos in Florida restaurant: man enters with a burning propane tank and threatens several people
Tampa authorities say a 53-year-old man allegedly started a fire inside a restaurant by setting a propane tank on fire.
A 53-year-old man was arrested in Tampa, Florida, after he allegedly entered a restaurant with a burning propane tank, where he also threatened several people with two knives and started a fire inside the establishment.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday when Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call of an alleged assault in progress inside the restaurant.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the establishment filled with smoke and flames, while a propane tank was also burning outside the building.
Suspect remained inside the restaurant with two knives
The authorities identified the detainee as Rubiel Maceo Castillo, 53 years old.
According to the Sheriff's Office, when officers entered they observed the man remaining inside the restaurant holding two knives.
Body camera footage shows officers repeatedly ordering him to drop his weapons and leave the building.
Meanwhile, Hillsborough County Firefighters worked with police officers to control the fire before the suspect was subdued and detained.
The man is accused of attacking a woman and starting the fire
According to court documents cited by local media, Castillo allegedly took two knives and attacked several people who were inside the restaurant.
During the incident, a woman suffered a cut on her wrist when she attempted to intervene.
Investigators further maintain that the suspect cut a gas line connected to a grill, grabbed a propane tank and started the fire.
Security camera footage released by the Sheriff's Office shows a man carrying a propane tank engulfed in flames as the fire spread through the business.
He faces multiple charges
Following his arrest, Rubiel Maceo Castillo was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail, where he remains detained without bail.
Authorities charged him with first-degree arson of an occupied structure, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage over $1,000 and other crimes.
Although the Sheriff's Office has not officially reported the motive for the attack, investigators cited by local media believe that the incident could be related to a domestic dispute between the suspect and his wife.