Knife-wielding Florida man tries to steal gas out of U-Haul, deputies say
An Orlando man who allegedly swung a knife at someone while reportedly trying to steal gas out of a U-Haul truck was arrested early Thursday, Orange County deputies said.
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando man who allegedly swung a knife at someone while reportedly trying to steal gas out of a U-Haul truck was arrested early Thursday, Orange County deputies said.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, deputies responded to the incident shortly after 1 a.m. on West Lancaster Road near Luzon Drive.
Deputies said a person was sleeping on a couch and awakened by a noise. The person went to investigate and found a man, later identified as Mario Morales, 36, trying to pump gas out of a nearby U-Haul truck, the affidavit stated.
When the person confronted Morales, authorities said he pulled out a knife and swung it at the person.
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The person was able to kick the knife out Morales’ hand and was not hurt.Â
(Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies found Morales across the road. He faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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Morales told deputies that he did not have a knife and denied trying to pump gas out of the truck, the affidavit stated.
He reportedly said he was outside looking for water.Â
Deputies found a red five-gallon tank with a hose near the U-Haul truck, along with a folding knife. Â