A Mt. Dora man who rammed a front end loader into a trailer with people inside was arrested Tuesday, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies said.
John Miller, 51, who has been charged with attempted murder, is accused of ramming a front end loader into a trailer at 3124 Ponkan Road in Apopka.
According to the arrest affidavit, Miller became “more agitated and started threatening to tear down the trailer” when he learned from residents, Michelle Valdes and Bonnie Peach, they would not be vacating until December 1, instead of the next day.
“You wanna see what I can do?” Miller stated to Valdes and Peach, who pleaded with him not to tear down the trailer, as other people were inside. Investigators learned that Valdez’ brothers, Jose and Samuel Serrano, her son Alfonso and sister, Melissa Serrano were inside the trailer, when Miller insisted on tearing the trailer down.
Miller returned with a yellow front-end loader and rammed the trailer for the first time, as the men fled out of the front door, according to the arrest affidavit.
Investigators learned Miller rammed the trailer a second time when Bonnie ran into the residence to warn Melissa and get her out.
Michelle and Bonnie told detectives that once outside the trailer, Miller then attempted to chase them around the yard with the front end loader.
When deputies arrived, Miller walked out from behind a yellow forklift and appeared angry and was verbally abusive, refusing to obey commands, investigators said. According to the arrest affivadit, when Miller was asked to put his hands where they were visible, he refused, replying “fuck you.” He was eventually secured by deputies.
While being transported, Miller asked whether the property had to be condemned and said spontaneously, “good, then I got what I wanted.” According to the arrest affidavit, Miller also said, you “do what you have to do” when people are threatening your family and whether it cost him hundreds or hundreds of thousands of dollars, he got what he wanted.
Miller was booked into the Orange County Jail around 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. He has been charged with attempted murder and is being held without bond.
Why did the reported have to list in detail the man’s response to the police. Poor journalism.
If someone told you they were going to tare down the trailer that is maybe 500 sqf, why wouldn’t you get your “people” out? Then when they heard it “fire” up, it was more of a threat and then why not get your kid out? Thats what a GOOD PARENT wold do. The girls cant get there story straight for ANY news channel and then this report says something different. Someone clearly isnt doing the job as the man protecting his family sits in jail. The trailer need to be condemed before then!