A Palm Bay, Florida Homeowners Association board member was arrested last month after an incident involving three kids fishing at a lake in his subdivision. The board member, identified as a 57-year-old man named Kyle Patrick Tate, allegedly pulled a gun on the kids, confiscated their fishing equipment, and threw it into the woods.
The incident took place at Stillwater Lakes, a subdivision owned and managed by an HOA. According to court documents, the kids were fishing on the south side of the lake when Tate approached them with a firearm, claiming they were on his property. However, the property belonged to the HOA, not Tate.
Tate proceeded to take the fishing rods, reels, tackle boxes, and other equipment from the kids, causing damage estimated at a total value of $2,200. Additionally, he allegedly took a phone valued at around $1,500 from one of the kids, which remains unrecovered.
Following the incident, Palm Bay Police Department officers arrested Tate on charges of grand theft and criminal mischief. The stolen property was valued between $750 and $7,500, leading to third-degree felony charges in Florida. Tate was held on a $5,000 bond, which he later posted for release.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and respecting property rights. The actions of the HOA board member have raised concerns within the community and highlighted the need for appropriate conflict resolution measures.
