A Tampa man faces multiple charges, including arson, after deputies found him inside a burning restaurant holding knives, according to HCSO.
TAMPA, Fla. — A man in Tampa faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson of an occupied structure, after deputies arrived at a restaurant on fire where he was inside holding knives, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, HCSO deputies arrested Rubiel Maceo Castillo, 53. They say they responded to a restaurant on West Waters Avenue due to calls reporting an assault or battery in progress.
Deputies claim that when they arrived, they found the restaurant filled with smoke and flames, noting that a propane tank outside the building was also on fire.
Inside the restaurant, they say they saw Castillo had two knives before telling him to drop the weapons and to exit the restaurant.
Video released by deputies shows moments of the incident, where a man is seen hitting things in the restaurant and using an inflamed propane tank. Moments later, body camera footage shows deputies placing the man under arrest. Then a deputy puts out fires inside the building.
Deputies added that they were able to extinguish the fire with the help of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
Castillo was taken to Falkenburg Road Jail, HCSO records show. He is being held with no bond, and jail records indicate he has a Baker Act and DNA hold. Beyond arson, Castillo is also facing other charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief of $1,000 or more.
HCSO did not state what led up to the incident.