Failing to drive in a single lane in Holmes Beach led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Bradenton Beach man for driving under the influence, possessing four suboxone pills and criminal mischief.
Lee Newell was arrested June 20 after police observed signs of impairment in the 3700 block of Gulf Drive, stopped his vehicle and asked if he’d been drinking. Newell allegedly admitted to drinking a beer about three hours earlier on the beach.
HBPD officers allegedly found a beer in the front seat and empty containers in the truck he was driving. During a search of the vehicle, an HBPD officer allegedly found four suboxone pills.
Newell performed field sobriety tests, was arrested for driving impaired and transported to the Manatee County jail. While in transit, he allegedly kicked and bent the rear door in the back seat of the patrol vehicle.
HBPD ticketed Newell for failing driving in a single lane and no proof of insurance.
At the jail, he refused to provide breath or urine samples.
He posted $2,000 bond and was released.
The state attorney filed formal charges June 29 against Newell for DUI, possessing a controlled substance and criminal mischief.
Newell’s arraignment will be 9 a.m. Friday, July 22, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.