Valrico, Florida — A months-long investigation in eastern Hillsborough County has led to the arrest of a man accused of repeatedly endangering drivers by throwing hundreds of nails onto local roadways, authorities said.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Felix Uresti, 51, was taken into custody Tuesday after deputies allegedly caught him in the act along Miller Road, about 15 miles east of Tampa.
Investigators say the suspect intentionally placed roofing nails on the roadway on nearly 30 separate occasions, creating a serious hazard for motorists, families, and emergency responders traveling through the area.
Deputies Say Suspect Was Caught in the Act
According to authorities, deputies conducting surveillance observed Uresti exit his white 2022 Toyota Tundra and scatter nails directly onto the roadway along Miller Road.
He was immediately detained and taken into custody without incident.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies said they discovered a large bucket of roofing nails in the back seat — the same type of nails recovered from previous roadway incidents in the area.
Investigation Spanned Several Months
The sheriff’s office said the investigation began on September 11 of last year after reports came in that hundreds of nails had been found scattered across South Miller Road and Lithia Center Lane.
Over the following five months, authorities documented 27 additional incidents involving nails placed in roadways within the same vicinity.
Investigators said the repeated nature and location of the incidents suggested the acts were intentional rather than accidental.
Officials noted that the nails posed a risk not only of tire damage but also of potential crashes, breakdowns, and delayed emergency response times.
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Uresti now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- Six counts of criminal mischief totaling $1,000 or more
- Throwing a deadly missile at, within, or into a vehicle
- Violation of Florida litter laws
Authorities said the charges reflect the severity of the alleged conduct and the repeated danger posed to the public.
Sheriff Condemns Actions as Dangerous
Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff, strongly criticized the alleged behavior.
“Throwing nails into the roadway is a deliberate and malicious act that puts innocent people in danger and carries serious consequences,” Chronister said.
“This was a senseless decision that endangered working families, children, and first responders when seconds matter most.”
Officials emphasized that roadway tampering can lead to serious injuries, costly vehicle damage, and life-threatening emergencies.
Drivers Urged to Come Forward
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who experienced tire damage or vehicle issues in the area of Miller Road and surrounding streets over the past several months to contact detectives.
Authorities say additional victims may still be unidentified, and damage reports could help strengthen the case as it moves through the court system.
Case Raises Safety Concerns
The case has raised concerns among residents about roadway safety and repeat criminal behavior going undetected for extended periods.
Law enforcement officials said the arrest highlights the importance of reporting suspicious activity and vehicle damage patterns, especially when incidents occur repeatedly in the same location.
What Happens Next
Uresti remains in custody as the case proceeds. Investigators said no motive has been publicly disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Prosecutors are expected to review the full scope of damages and determine whether additional charges are warranted.
Have you or someone you know experienced unexplained tire damage in your area, or noticed suspicious activity on local roads? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
