A man in Sun City Center, Florida was arrested for trying to steal a generator being used to power a traffic light that was likely damaged during Hurricane Milton. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Soyal Zapata-Dye, was charged with third-degree grand theft during a state of emergency. TECO Energy workers provided photos of the man attempting to steal the generator, along with his license plate, which led to his arrest. Deputies tracked down Zapata-Dye’s address and went to his home with a K-9, where they found him trying to evade being questioned by claiming he was fixing dinner. The deputies placed him in handcuffs and informed him he was being detained for investigation.
Video footage captured by deputies and posted to Facebook by the sheriff’s office shows the arrest of Zapata-Dye at his home. In the footage, deputies can be seen arriving at the home, asking to speak with Zapata-Dye, who initially refused to come outside claiming he was fixing dinner. Despite his initial resistance, the deputies approached him at the front door and placed him in handcuffs, informing him that he was being detained. Zapata-Dye can be heard on police body camera footage telling the deputy that he thought the generator he was trying to steal was left unlocked and unclaimed.
Zapata-Dye was ultimately arrested and charged with third-degree grand theft during a state of emergency for attempting to steal the generator that was powering a traffic light in Sun City Center. The arrest was made based on evidence provided by TECO Energy workers and the subsequent investigation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The incident highlighted the importance of protecting public resources during emergencies such as hurricanes, as stolen generators can severely impact critical infrastructure and safety measures put in place during disasters. The arrest of Zapata-Dye served as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to steal essential equipment during times of crisis.
The sheriff’s office shared the video footage of Zapata-Dye’s arrest on social media, garnering attention from the local community and emphasizing the enforcement of the law during states of emergency. The incident involving the attempted theft of a generator highlighted the heightened security measures put in place to protect public resources during disasters such as Hurricane Milton. The arrest of Zapata-Dye demonstrated the swift action taken by law enforcement officials to apprehend individuals engaging in criminal activities that could disrupt recovery efforts and endanger public safety. The case served as a deterrent to potential looters and thieves looking to take advantage of vulnerable situations caused by natural disasters.
In conclusion, the arrest of Soyal Zapata-Dye for trying to steal a generator during a state of emergency in Sun City Center, Florida, underscored the importance of protecting public resources and maintaining law and order during times of crisis. The swift action taken by TECO Energy workers and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to identify and apprehend the suspect highlighted the commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety and security of the community. The incident served as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to steal essential equipment that plays a crucial role in maintaining critical infrastructure and public safety measures during emergencies. The arrest of Zapata-Dye sent a clear message that criminal activities such as theft would not be tolerated, especially during states of emergency when the community’s welfare is at stake.
