Photo: EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI / AFP / Getty Images
A Florida man, identified as 57-year-old Kenneth Ray Velasco, was arrested on Wednesday (October 16) for threatening utility workers who were restoring power in Hillsborough County following mass outages caused by Hurricane Milton. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Velasco became impatient with a traffic delay caused by the repair work and drove his vehicle into a utility pole and fence, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. He then attempted to flee the scene.
When the power line crew tried to prevent him from leaving, Velasco allegedly threatened to shoot them and drove his vehicle towards them in a manner that forced them to jump out of the way. ABC News reported that Velasco was later pulled over in a traffic stop and arrested without incident. He has been charged with aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief for vandalism of property.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his gratitude that no one was seriously hurt and condemned Velasco's actions.
"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," Chronister said.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.