Florida man arrested for alleged diesel theft and collision with HCSO vehicle

TAMPA, Florida – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested a man who allegedly stole diesel fuel and then crashed into a deputy’s car before driving away.

According to HCSO, 24-year-old Kiusler Perez Ortiz was seen at a Mobil gas station on Hillsborough Avenue where his vehicle was parked over the filler opening of an underground diesel tank.

According to HCSO, officers arrived and attempted to speak with Ortiz, but he refused to cooperate.

Ortiz then put the car in reverse and drove into the back of an unmarked HCSO vehicle. According to HCSO, he nearly struck a deputy as he drove off.

Officers pursued Ortiz and eventually arrested him in a wooded area off Sunray Drive.

He was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, reckless driving, property damage valued at $1,000 or more, displaying an unassigned vehicle tag, and resisting arrest without the use of violence.

The investigation is ongoing and the HCSO said additional charges may be filed later.