VALRICO, Fla. – A months-long headache for Valrico drivers came to an abrupt end Tuesday morning when Hillsborough County deputies arrested a local man accused of intentionally scattering roofing nails across busy intersections.
Authorities say the arrest of 51-year-old Felix Uresti closes an investigation that began last fall.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), deputies were conducting surveillance around 10:37 a.m. on January 13 when they observed Uresti exit a white 2022 Toyota Tundra. Deputies say he was seen placing nails directly onto the pavement along Miller Road before being taken into custody.
READ: Charges Filed Against 3 Men Following USF Parking Garage Confrontation
The problem first surfaced on September 11, 2025, when the Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of hundreds of nails scattered near South Miller Road and Lithia Center Lane. Over the following five months, officials documented 27 separate incidents in the area, with numerous drivers suffering vehicle damage at the intersection of Bucknell Road and Miller Road.
During a search of Uresti’s truck, investigators reported finding a large bucket in the back seat filled with the same type of roofing nails recovered from the roadways.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the actions as a threat to public safety.
“Throwing nails into the roadway is a deliberate and malicious act that puts innocent people in danger and carries serious consequences,” Chronister said in a statement. “This was a senseless decision that endangered working families, children, and first responders when seconds matter most.”
READ: “Relentless Pursuit”: Suspect Captured Years After Fatal Tampa Apartment Shooting
Uresti has been charged with throwing a deadly missile within or into a vehicle, violation of the Florida Litter Law, and six counts of criminal mischief involving damage of $1,000 or more.
Investigators believe there may be other drivers who were affected by the nail scattering. HCSO is asking anyone who experienced tire or vehicle damage in the Miller Road area to contact detectives at (813) 247-8200.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
