Lithia Man Arrested for Lunging at Deputies with Knife

A Lithia man faces multiple charges after allegedly lunging at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies with a knife Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

Deputies responded to a home on the 11000 block of Clay Pit Road around 10:18 a.m. following reports of an adult male threatening family members or himself. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Jarrett Brooks, 41, in his bedroom. According to the Sheriff's Office, Brooks refused to cooperate and threatened the deputies.

The situation escalated when Brooks allegedly kicked one deputy in the chest and attempted to disarm another by kicking at their Taser. Brooks then reportedly grabbed a knife from beside his bed and lunged at the deputies. Deputies deployed Tasers, and Brooks dropped the weapon after initially refusing commands.

Brooks faces charges including Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, two counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Resisting an Officer without Violence. Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies for their actions in the volatile situation.

Brooks, with a criminal history dating back to 2013 that includes charges for second-degree murder and DUI, was also placed under Baker Act provisions. He was transported to the Orient Road Jail. The investigation remains active.