Holmes Beach police arrested Yerick Berrios Colon, 27, of Bradenton, Oct. 1 on a third-degree felony for possession of methylenedioxypyrovaleron, or bath salts, a controlled substance.
An officer was patrolling the closed parking lot at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, when he saw a motorist try to pull in.
The officer saw the motorist turn around and park in a private residential parking area. The motorist, later identified as Berrios Colon, then walked toward a beach picnic table area.
The officer spoke with Berrios Colon and saw a plastic bag containing a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for MDPV.
The officer arrested Berrios Colon and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released Oct. 2 after posting $1,500 bond.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice