A Bradenton man was arrested after driving his truck into an ambulance at the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach.
According to a Bradenton Beach Police report, Maurice A. Mooney turned his vehicle into the cafe property at 900 Gulf Drive N. at about 9 p.m. Feb. 19 and struck the emergency medical services vehicle and a wood railing on the side of the restaurant,
Mooney, 57, repeatedly told witnesses and law enforcement he was an attorney. He was arrested by BBPD for battery, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence, the report stated.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded and processed two driving-under-the-influence charges against Mooney, one because his vehicle struck the ambulance and one for hitting the building.
BBPD, West Manatee Fire Rescue and EMS had been at the Gulf Drive Cafe on a medical call, and another BBPD officer responded to the crash.
Witnesses told the BBPD officer that Mooney had been driving the vehicle that crashed.
The report stated the officer observed Mooney staggering on the walkway and trying to enter the restaurant.
Mooney allegedly looked at the officer and asked him, “What crash?”
Mooney also yelled, “I’m an attorney, unless I’m under arrest, f— off,” according to the BBPD report.
After the officer told Mooney he was not free to leave, Mooney allegedly said he would sue him.
The report stated Mooney ignored the officer when he asked him not to go into the restaurant.
As the officer began to restrain Mooney, he allegedly became combative and the officer used pepper spray to subdue him. Mooney kicked the police officers as they attempted to put him in the squad car, according to the BBPD report.
Mooney complained of chest pains and was treated by EMS, according to the report.
He was booked at the Manatee County jail. He posted $4,000 bond and was released.
Mooney was assigned a March 20 court date at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.