Police arrested a 23-year-old Palmetto man for impaired driving in Holmes Beach and the state charged him with driving under the influence.
While conducting radar in the 5200 block of Gulf Drive at 2:40 a.m. March 6, Holmes Beach Officer Alan Bores noticed a white pickup crossing into the bicycle lane, according to an HBPD report.
Bores pulled over Nicholas Burns Easterling, observed signs of impairment and asked him how much alcohol he’d consumed.
Bores reported an empty beer can on the passenger side of the pickup, a shotgun behind the driver’s seat, ammunition scattered on the floor and about 15 beer cans in the truck bed.
On March 21, the state attorney charged Easterling with a count for driving under the influence.
HBPD also cited Easterling for open container, expired registration, failing to provide proof of a driver’s license and insurance and failing to drive in a single lane.
Easterling was transported and booked at the Manatee County jail.
At the jail, he refused to provide breath samples. Easterling was released on a $500 bond.
His court arraignment is set for 8:25 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.