A Central Florida man was arrested for battery after an assault on two women over politics.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man following an assault on two women that stemmed from an altercation over opposing political candidates in Lithia near Tampa.
On November 5th at approximately 12:30pm, deputies responded to the corner of Fishhawk Crossing Boulevard and Dorman Road in Lithia, where an altercation had taken place between the suspect, 71-year-old Stuart James McMillan, and two women.
Through investigative means, deputies determined that a disagreement over political candidates escalated, leading McMillan to become physical with both women. McMillan pulled one of the victim’s flags to the ground and grabbed her hair and throat. The second victim attempted to help, and McMillan proceeded to charge at her and also grabbed her by the throat, according to law enforcement.
This altercation occurred down the street just south of the Palmetto Club at the Fishhawk Ranch polling location, where the victims and suspect were expressing their freedom of speech.
“Our community is built on respect and understanding, even when opinions differ,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Violence has no place in our community, and we will hold anyone accountable who disrupts the safety and civility of our neighborhoods here in Hillsborough County.”
McMillan was arrested and faced two counts of battery, according to local law enforcement.
