Man accused of threatening linemen trying to restore power in Hillsborough after Milton

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested after deputies said he threatened to shoot linemen who were working Tuesday to restore power in Thonotosassa after Hurricane Milton.

Kenneth Ray Velasco, 57, allegedly became impatient after a traffic delay caused by workers doing repairs, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

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Velasco allegedly backed his car into a utility pole and fence, causing $1,000 in damage, deputies said. He then reportedly threatened to shoot the linemen after they tried to prevent him from fleeing.

One of the linemen had to jump out of the way of Velasco's car to avoid being hit, deputies said. He was later tracked down nearby and taken into custody at a traffic stop.

"Linemen have been working tirelessly to restore power after the storm," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "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 called the alleged crimes "egregious."

Velasco was charged with aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief for vandalism of property, according to deputies.