Holmes Beach police arrested Plant City resident Brandon Harouff, 24, Jan. 6 on a first-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence with property damage.
Harouff also was charged with two second-degree misdemeanors for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash and reckless driving.
Around 11:43 p.m., an officer clocked a motorist driving 83 mph in a 35-mph zone in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue. The motorist continued to drive at a high speed through the intersection of Gulf Drive and Manatee Avenue, then crashed through a gate at the entrance to Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.
The crash left the gate with a bent arm, a damaged stop sign and without signage that previously displayed the beach’s hours.
The officer activated his lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorist continued driving through the parking lot.
The officer followed the motorist until he came to a stop, at which point the officer left his vehicle, drew his gun and began issuing orders to the driver, later identified as Harouff.
Harouff did not comply, so the officer pulled him from the vehicle to the ground, then handcuffed him.
The officer searched the vehicle and found an open alcoholic beverage in the center console, as well as an open container of alcoholic beverages on the front passenger-side floorboard.
Harouff’s eyes were watery and “glassed over” and his breath smelled of alcohol.
The officer asked Harouff to perform field sobriety exercises but he refused to participate.
The officer arrested Harouff and transferred him to a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy, who transported Harouff to the county jail. Harouff was released Jan. 7 after Judge Heather Doyle of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court ordered his supervised release without bond.
If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and fine of up to $1,000.
Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
