In a disturbing incident, a Florida man, identified as Kyle Tate, found himself behind bars after allegedly confronting three children with a gun while they were fishing at a subdivision where he serves as the president of the Homeowners Association (HOA).
The incident, which occurred on April 14 in Palm Bay, Florida, saw Tate approaching the children as they were fishing on the south side of the subdivision’s lake, which is under the jurisdiction of the HOA and not Tate personally.
According to reports, Tate confiscated the children’s fishing equipment, including reels, rods, tackle boxes, and cast nets, before hurling them into the woods, causing significant damage estimated at approximately $3,700. Additionally, Tate allegedly took one of the children’s phones, which remains missing.
The children involved in the incident were aged 7, 10, and 15. While the mother of the 10-year-old child expressed shock and dismay over the traumatic experience, she emphasized that her children had fished in the area before without encountering any problems. She condemned Tate’s actions, stating that pulling a gun on the children was unjustifiable and deeply unsettling.
Tate was subsequently arrested on felony charges of criminal mischief and grand theft and was booked into the Brevard County jail. He was later released on bond pending further legal proceedings.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of children in the community. Authorities are investigating the matter, and Tate could face serious consequences if found guilty of the alleged offenses.
