The morning of Aug. 23 at Jessie’s Island Store was not the typical coffee stop for three witnesses who observed a man spill his coffee, return to his truck and zoom north on Marina Drive.
Witnesses first saw the man have trouble getting the black Ford 150 in gear in the store parking lot. They then observed it dart through traffic, jump the curb and ride on the sidewalk.
William Shawn Wilkes, 55, of Holmes Beach, was arrested by Holmes Beach Police Department for fleeing and eluding a marked law enforcement vehicle, possessing cocaine, driving under the influence and DUI with property damage.
HBPD Officer Steve Ogline began following Wilkes’ pickup truck in the 5500 block of Marina Drive and gave chase until Wilkes crashed it into a mailbox in the 500 block of Key Royale Drive.
Ogline had attempted to pull Wilkes over by activating his squad car lights and siren — to no avail. However, he observed the vehicle continue swerving on Marina and Key Royale drives, over the bike lane, back and forth off the marked roadway, until it struck a pedestrian sign post and then the mailbox.
Wilkes exited the vehicle after the crash and HBPD took him into custody.
In searching the man, Ogline discovered Wilkes had urinated on himself and found a small glass container and a bag of cocaine. Numerous prescription drugs were found in the truck’s center console.
Wilkes was transported and booked at the Manatee County jail.
He posted $4,000 bond and was released.
Through an attorney, Wilkes filed an appearance and not-guilty plea.
His first court date is Sept. 25 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.