Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Valrico man for throwing nails into a Valrico neighborhood roadway.
The investigation began on September 11, 2025, when the Sheriff's Office received a call that hundreds of nails were scattered on South Miller Road and Lithia Center Lane. Over the next five months, 27 additional incidents were reported in the same area.
Deputies learned that the driver of a white pickup truck was throwing nails onto the roadway at the intersection of Bucknell Road and Miller Road, causing damage to several vehicles.
As deputies continued their investigation, at 10:37 a.m. on January 13, 2026, deputies observed Felix Uresti, 51, exit his white 2022 Toyota Tundra and place nails onto the roadway along Miller Road. Uresti was later taken into custody.
During a search of his vehicle, deputies discovered the same roofing nails used in previous locations in a large bucket of nails in the back seat.
Uresti faces the following charges:
* Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More (x6)
* Throwing a Deadly Missile at Within or Into a Vehicle
* Violation of Florida Litter Law (Public or Private Property)
"Throwing nails into the roadway is a deliberate and malicious act that puts innocent people in danger and carries serious consequences,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This was a senseless decision that endangered working families, children, and first responders when seconds matter most."
If you believe you were impacted by nail damage in the area of Miller Road, please contact detectives at (813) 247-8200. Any updates will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
