An Orlando resident was arrested in the area of Branch Forbes Road and Interstate 4 Sunday, March 19, after allegedly pointing his firearm at a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy.
At about 11:50 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy Genevish was traveling eastbound on I-4 in his marked patrol vehicle. Deputy Seigler was several car lengths behind him.
A gray Nissan Versa, driven by 24-year-old Nico Torres, of Orlando, approached the cars at a high rate of speed. Torres was in the lane next to Deputy Genevish and maintained a half car length distance behind him.
Deputy Siegler observed Torres extend his arm out the window and form his fingers into the shape of a gun. According to the report by HCSO, Torres then formed his fingers into the shape of a gun and mimicked firing at the marked HCSO vehicle.
Torres then brought his arm back into the vehicle for a moment before retrieving a black, semi-automatic firearm. Deputy Siegler observed Torres point the firearm at Deputy Genevish's vehicle, and alerted Deputy Genevish.
At the time, there were no other vehicles near or between Torres and the deputy.
The deputies conducted a traffic stop at I-4 and Branch Forbes Road, and Torres was taken into custody without incident.
A Glock 17 was located in the floorboard of Torres' Versa with a round in the chamber and no magazine attached.
Torres appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation was conducted.
Torres was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm on an officer, carrying a concealed firearm and driving under the influence.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.