Gibsonton, FL – A 27-year-old man was arrested late Monday night after allegedly pepper-spraying a convenience store employee and shattering a glass door before attempting to flee the scene, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Deputies said the incident happened around 11:27 p.m. on December 1, when #teamHCSO responded to a store in Gibsonton following reports of an assault. Authorities identified the suspect as Juventino Mena Arellano, who allegedly became aggressive after being told to leave the store.
According to investigators, Arellano fled on foot after the confrontation but was quickly located by the sheriff’s aviation unit. Thermal imaging from above helped deputies spot him hiding in a nearby wooded area. Ground units then moved in and took him into custody without further incident.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Arellano was charged with battery and criminal mischief exceeding $1,000 in property damage.
The sheriff’s office shared aerial video footage of the arrest on social media, showing the moment deputies located the suspect using night-vision equipment.
No serious injuries were reported from the pepper spray incident, and the store has since resumed normal operations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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