Deputies: Knife-wielding Florida man tries to steal gas out of U-Haul truck in Orlando

An Orlando man who allegedly swung a knife at someone while reportedly trying to steal gas out of a U-Haul truck was arrested early Thursday, Orange County deputies said.

According to an Orange County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit, deputies responded to the incident shortly after 1 a.m. on West Lancaster Road near Luzon Drive.

Deputies said a person was sleeping on a couch and awakened by a noise. The person went to investigate and found a man, later identified as Mario Morales, 36, trying to pump gas out of a nearby U-Haul truck, the affidavit stated.

When the person confronted Morales, authorities said he pulled out a knife and swung it at the person.

STORY: Parent threatens to 'shoot up' Daytona Beach elementary school, causing brief lockdown, police say

The person was able to kick the knife out Morales' hand and was not hurt. 

(Photo via Orange County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies found Morales across the road. He faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

MORE NEWS: Fire breaks out on Carnival Freedom that left from Port Canaveral, Florida

Morales told deputies that he did not have a knife and denied trying to pump gas out of the truck, the affidavit stated.

He reportedly said he was outside looking for water. 

Deputies found a red five-gallon tank with a hose near the U-Haul truck, along with a folding knife.  

Orange CountyCrime and Public SafetyNews