Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton Beach resident Kevin Branigan, 59, April 11 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Branigan also was charged with misdemeanors for driving without a license and failing to register his vehicle.
An officer saw a motorist in the 2700 block of Gulf Drive on a moped with no taillights and no plate, so he conducted a traffic stop, according to an incident report.
After initially failing to respond to the officer’s emergency lights, the officer activated his siren and the motorist pulled over.
The officer spoke to the motorist, identified as Branigan, who said the person who sold him the moped told him he did not need a license or registration to drive it.
The officer noted that Branigan’s eyes were “watery and glassy” and he could smell “a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath,” according to a report.
The officer asked if Branigan had any drinks before driving and Branigan said he’d had a couple at a bar, but was on his way home.
Branigan performed and failed field sobriety exercises.
The officer arrested Branigan and transported him to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he twice refused to provide a breath sample to police.
The officer also issued a citation for operating a vehicle without lights at night.
The officer transported Branigan to a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy, who transported Branigan to the Manatee County jail.
Branigan was released April 12 on $360 bond.
If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.