What started as a routine assault call on yesterday morning quickly escalated into a smoky restaurant fire scene on West Waters Avenue in Tampa, ending with one man in handcuffs, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say they were dispatched around 8:45 a.m. for a reported assault or battery in progress and arrived to find a restaurant filled with smoke and flames, with a propane tank burning outside the building. Working with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, they extinguished the blaze, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's update states deputies then saw Rubiel Maceo Castillo inside the restaurant holding two knives and arrested him. Investigators booked Castillo on multiple counts, including first‑degree arson involving an occupied structure. Authorities have not released the name of the business or said whether anyone was hurt.
🚨Arson Suspect Arrested after Business Fire🚨
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) July 8, 2026
On July 7, 2026, at approximately 8:45 a.m., #teamHCSO responded to a restaurant on West Waters Avenue in Tampa after receiving a call for service for a reported assault or battery in progress.
When deputies arrived, they found the… pic.twitter.com/c3RJ0LRWe3
Charges and legal stakes
Under Florida law, arson that damages a structure where people are normally present, or that the defendant knew was occupied, is classified as first‑degree arson, and restaurants are specifically listed in that category. Per Florida Statute 806.01, a first‑degree arson charge is a felony that carries significant potential prison time and other penalties under state sentencing rules (see Justia). Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence gathered at the scene and will decide whether any additional charges should be formally filed as the case moves forward.
Investigation and next steps
Authorities say the investigation is still active and they have not identified the restaurant publicly. Deputies remain involved in follow-up work at the location while fire and arson investigators sort through the damage and reports. The sheriff's online update summarizes the arrest and the scene, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
