TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — A man accused of setting fire to a Tampa restaurant while armed with knives was arrested Tuesday morning after deputies found flames inside the business and a propane tank burning outside, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 8:45 a.m. July 7 to a restaurant on West Waters Avenue after a call about an assault or battery in progress.
Surveillance video released by the sheriff’s office appears to show a man inside the restaurant as flames spread near the front counter area. Within seconds, the fire grows larger, sending smoke through the business.
When deputies arrived, body-camera video shows smoke and flames visible inside the restaurant as deputies approached the front entrance with weapons drawn. Deputies can be heard ordering someone to “step back,” “drop the knife now” and “come out to us.”
Deputies said they found 53-year-old Rubiel Maceo Castillo inside the restaurant holding two knives. He was ordered to drop the weapons and leave the building.
The video shows deputies taking a man into custody outside the storefront near a patrol vehicle. Deputies then move back toward the restaurant, where flames and heavy smoke are still visible inside. One deputy is seen using a fire extinguisher as crews worked to put out the fire.
Images released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office show deputies responding to a fire at a restaurant on West Waters Avenue in Tampa on July 7, 2026. Deputies said 53-year-old Rubiel Maceo Castillo was found inside the smoke-filled business armed with two knives before he was taken into custody on multiple charges, including first-degree arson of an occupied structure. (HCSO)
Working with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, deputies extinguished the fire and arrested Castillo, according to the sheriff’s office.
Castillo faces multiple charges, including first-degree arson of an occupied structure.
The sheriff’s office did not immediately release additional details about what led up to the fire or whether anyone was injured.
