A Florida man named Kyle Tate was arrested in a troubling event for reportedly pulling a gun on three children who were fishing at the subdivision where he is the president of the Homeowners Association (HOA).
The children were fishing on the south side of the subdivision’s lake, which is under the HOA’s management rather than Tate’s, when the event took place in Palm Bay, Florida, on April 14.
Tate reportedly took away the kids’ fishing gear, which included reels, rods, tackle boxes, and cast nets, and then threw it into the woods, causing $3,700 worth of estimated damage. Tate also allegedly stole one of the kids’ phones, which is still missing.
The ages of the kids who were a part in the incident were 7, 10, and 15. The 10-year-old child’s mother acknowledged that her kids had previously gone fishing in the region without any issues, but she was shocked and dismayed by the horrific event. She denounced Tate’s behavior, saying that it was unacceptable and extremely frightening for him to have pulled a gun on the kids.
Tate was then taken into custody and lodged in the Brevard County prison after being charged with grand theft and criminal mischief. Later, while more legal actions were pending, he was freed on bond.
Outrage has been generated by the incident, and questions have been raised over the community’s children’s safety. Authorities are looking into the situation, and if Tate is found guilty of the charges, there might be severe repercussions.