A Florida man has been arrested after authorities say he carried a burning propane tank through a Tampa restaurant and later confronted deputies while armed with two knives.
The confrontation began at about 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a Tampa restaurant for a report of an assault or battery in progress, the agency said.
When deputies arrived, they found smoke and flames inside the business, with a propane tank outside the restaurant also burning, according to authorities. Deputies said 53-year-old Rubiel Maceo Castillo was still inside, holding two knives, as they repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapons and come out.
A surveillance video screengrab shows a man carrying a flaming propane tank through a Tampa, Florida, restaurant on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
“Drop the knife now. Do it now,” a deputy is heard shouting in body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.
Deputies, working with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews, put out the fire before arresting Castillo. He was booked into jail and is being held without bond.
According to court documents obtained by WFLA-TV, Castillo allegedly picked up two knives and charged at multiple people inside the restaurant. Investigators said he cut a woman on the wrist when she tried to step in, then allegedly severed a gas line connected to a grill, took a propane tank and started the fire.
Deputies can be heard ordering the man to drop the knives and leave the smoke-filled restaurant. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Surveillance video released by the sheriff’s office appears to show a man carrying a flaming propane tank through the restaurant as flames spread inside the business. Body camera footage also captured deputies confronting the suspect before placing him under arrest and helping extinguish the blaze.
Rubiel Maceo Castillo, 53, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson of an occupied structure, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Castillo has been charged with first-degree arson of an occupied structure, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage and other offenses, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
While authorities have not publicly identified a motive, WFLA reported that investigators believe the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Castillo and his wife.
