Man Choked 2 Women Outside Polling Location: Hillsborough Sheriff

LITHIA, FL — A 71-year-old man faces charges after choking two women during an altercation over opposing political candidates outside a polling location on Election Day, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Stuart James McMillan, who was arrested Wednesday, was charged with two counts of battery.

Deputies responded to the corner of Fishhawk Crossing Boulevard and Dorman Road in Lithia, down the road from the polling location at the Palmetto Club, around 12:30 p.m. The victims were outside the club “expressing their freedom of speech,” the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators learned that when McMillan argued with the two women about political candidates it turned violent.

McMillan pulled one of the victim's flags to the ground and grabbed her hair and throat. When the second victim tried to help, McMillan charged at her and also grabbed her by the throat.

"Our community is built on respect and understanding, even when opinions differ," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Violence has no place in our community, and we will hold anyone accountable who disrupts the safety and civility of our neighborhoods here in Hillsborough County."