Police arrested a popular baitmonger for allegedly urinating off the same dock he sells bait from in Bradenton Beach.
John C. Maguire III was arrested at 2:30 a.m. April 11 by Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill at the Historic Bridge Street Pier day dock.
The officer arrested Maguire, who lives aboard another boat in Cortez, for indecent exposure after Hill woke him up in his bait boat, which was tied to the day dock, according to the BBPD report.
It was Maguire’s 60th birthday.
Hill had advised Maguire he had to leave because overnight docking is not allowed at the pier. He also warned Maguire his boat lacked an anchor light.
Hill then observed Maguire walk to the side of the day dock and urinate, according to the officer’s report.
Shining a flashlight on Maguire, Hill reported he was 25-30 feet from Maguire and yelled for him to stop.
Maguire allegedly told Hill 40-50 people a day pee off the pier and denied committing the act.
The officer issued Maguire a trespass from the pier and took him into custody. Hill alleged Maguire became belligerent.
Maguire was transported to Manatee County jail. He was released after posting a $500 bond.
Maguire also faces a derelict vessel charge filed April 8 by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the MCSO report, Maguire illegally abandoned a 19-foot vessel on the Intracoastal Waterway near the Cortez Bridge. The boat, having holes in the hull and cap, was taking on water.
The report advised that Maguire had been warned by certified mail and the boat was tagged.
Maguire’s arraignment on the exposure charge is set for 8:30 a.m. May 17.
On the derelict vessel case, a hearing is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. May 10.
Hearings are held at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
my opinion of this arrest is that the town of Bradenton Beach has, and probably will have a bigger problem with the arresting officer.