Crime & Safety

Arrest Made In Arson Fire At Pete's Place North

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arson investigators have arrested and charged a man for setting the Tiki hut at Pete's Place North on fire.

Austin Lee Hershey, 23, was charged with first-degree arson of a business.
Austin Lee Hershey, 23, was charged with first-degree arson of a business. (Hillsborough County Fire Rescue)

CARROLLWOOD, FL -- Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arson investigators have arrested and charged a man for setting the Tiki hut at Pete’s Place North & Liquor Store on fire around 2:30 p.m. March 11.

On March 12 at about 2:30 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies and arson investigators questioned and then arrested Austin Lee Hershey, 23, charging him with first-degree arson of a business.

The outdoor Tiki hut at Pete's Place North, 8603 N. Dale Mabry Highway. was destroyed when the dried palm fronds on the roof were set on fire. Firefighters say there were people inside the building at the time the first was set.

Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Carrollwood-Northdale