Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man accused of assaulting two women near a polling place on Election Day.

The man, 71 years old. Stuart James McMillanHe was at the corner of Fishhawk Crossing Boulevard and Dorman Road in Lithia, where officers say he got into an altercation with two women over a political disagreement.

The Sheriff’s Office said McMillan became “physical with both women,” throwing “one of the victim’s flags to the ground” and grabbing “her hair and throat.”

“The second victim attempted to help, and McMillan proceeded to attack her and also grabbed her by the neck.” according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The altercation occurred just south of the Palmetto Club at the Fishhawk Ranch polling place.

The Sheriff’s Office did not include information about which candidates the parties involved supported or what their flags said.

But the representative Danny Alvarezwho represents House District 69 in Hillsborough County, witnessed the altercation. He said the two women were waving flags in support of the vice president. Kamala Harris for president when McMillan appeared with his own flag supporting the former president donald trump. He said the women moved to avoid McMillan, but he followed them and the altercation ensued.

“It looked like they were playing swords with flags,” Alvarez said of the incident.

Alvarez, a Republican and retired Army veteran, helped break up the altercation before authorities arrived. His description of the attack matched that of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“He tried to strangle them three times,” Alvarez said. “We don’t allow women to drown here.”

Álvarez added that the women were demonstrating in a peaceful and respectful manner.

McMillan has been charged with two counts of assault.

“Our community is built on respect and understanding, even when opinions differ,” Sheriff Chad Chronister saying. “Violence has no place in our community and we will hold accountable anyone who disrupts the safety and civility of our neighborhoods here in Hillsborough County.”

Post Views: 0