Armed Man Found Hiding In Brush At FL State Park, Deputies Say

LITHIA, FL — An armed man faces multiple charges after being caught trespassing at Alafia River State Park in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Joseph Rolon Fernandez, 33, of Tampa was charged with entering on property to take deer, unlawful taking of deer or wild turkey, tampering with physical evidence, armed trespass on property, and two counts of resisting an officer without violence, Hillsborough County jail records show.

Hunting, trapping and pursuing wildlife is prohibited on all state park properties, except for in limited areas with a special permit from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, according to the Florida State Parks website.

Shots were heard near the state park and reported to 911 just before 1:30 a.m., the sheriff's office said.

Patrol deputies responded to the area, as well as the Aviation Unit, which spotted three suspects carrying long guns inside the park.

When the suspects ran into a body of water, HCSO’s Underwater Recovery Team responded to the park. Divers found Rolon Fernandez hiding in thick brush and took him into custody, HCSO said.

During the search, deputies found a Benelli M2 12‑gauge shotgun, a Savage A17 17HMR rifle and two flashlights in the area where he was found.

The two other suspects are still at large. Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO at 813‑247‑8200.

See Also:

• FL Girl, 8, Stabbed Grandmother Who Was Attacking Her Mother With Knife: Reports
• Stranded Coyote Safe After Getting Stuck On Ledge Of FL Hotel: Watch
• DUI Driver Slammed Through U.S. 19 Concrete Divider: Clearwater Police
• Woman Who Worked At Pasco School Had Romantic Relationship with Student: Reports
• FL Man With Dementia Rescued 80 Hours After Going Out For Walk: Reports