A golf cart driver pulled over for traffic violations in Holmes Beach was arrested for fraud and driving under the influence.
Richard J. Burnes Jr., 59, of Holmes Beach, was arrested July 9 for DUI, giving a false identification to a Holmes Beach police officer, knowingly driving on a suspended license and unlawfully possessing another person’s identification.
HBPD Officer Alan Desantis stopped Burnes in the 200 block of 68th Street and called for backup, suspecting the driver was under the influence. Officer Alex Hurt responded, approached the driver, noticed a cold beer next to the driver and the odor of an alcoholic beverage, according to a police report.
The report also states the driver falsely identified himself as his brother.
Burnes attempted the roadside test, almost falling several times during the exercises, and an officer lunged to catch the man, according to the report.
Police took Burnes to the HBPD station, where he refused to submit to a blood-alcohol breath test and later fell asleep and onto the floor. He suffered abrasions to his face from the fall, the police report states.
Also at the station, police found Burnes possessed identification for himself and his brother and, after Miranda warnings, Burnes acknowledged his true identity. He told police he’d been drinking at D.Coy Ducks Bar & Grill to celebrate his brother’s birthday.
He was transported to the Manatee County jail, posted a $1,740 bond and was released.
His arraignment is at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton.
— Kathy Prucnell