RIVERVIEW, Fla. – A Riverview man is in custody following a series of alarming incidents along South U.S. Highway 301 on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Walter Woolever, 38, after he allegedly committed arson and theft and threatened a citizen with a knife.
The series of events began when Woolever reportedly set two fires. The first occurred inside the bathroom of a RaceTrac gas station on South U.S. Highway 301, followed by a second fire set outside a nearby, as yet unnamed, business. Authorities estimate the total damages caused by the blazes to be approximately $11,000.
READ: Hillsborough County Issues Emergency Burn Ban Amidst Dry Conditions
According to reports, a concerned citizen confronted Woolever after the fires were set. During this encounter, Woolever allegedly brandished a knife before fleeing the scene. He then proceeded to an AutoZone store located nearby, where he is accused of committing theft.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to quickly locate Woolever several blocks away from the AutoZone. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement regarding the arrest, emphasizing the severity of the suspect’s actions.
READ: Sand Spill Snarls Afternoon Commute On I-4 Westbound Following Tractor-Trailer Overturn
“This suspect didn’t just put lives and property at risk; he caused real damage to our community,” Sheriff Chronister stated. “Thanks to the quick action and coordination of our deputies and investigators, he was taken into custody before anyone was hurt.”
Woolever is currently facing multiple charges, including arson, aggravated assault, and theft. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as they become available.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
