Kevin Rodriguez, 48, of Bradenton, was arrested May 28 on felony and misdemeanor charges involving an alleged hit-and-run near the Drift-In AMI bar in Bradenton Beach.
Patrons and security staff at the Drift-In, 120 Bridge St., had urged the man not to drive, taking vehicle keys and calling a tow truck, according to witness statements in a Bradenton Beach Police Department report.
However, when a tow truck arrived, the man allegedly took out a second set of keys, started the vehicle and sped away from the parking lot, jumping a curb, spraying outdoor patrons of the establishment with rocks and colliding with a vehicle parked near the bar.
BBPD Officer Devon Straight pursued the motorist, who allegedly drove into oncoming lanes and forced vehicles off the road.
The BBPD report said Straight, to protect the public, reduced his speed and followed the motorist without lights and from a distance as MCSO helicopter pilots tracked Rodriguez from the air.
Rodriguez lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a driveway on 57th Avenue West in Bradenton, according to the BBPD report.
There, MCSO deputies took Rodriguez into custody and transported him to the Manatee County jail in Palmetto.
Rodriguez is charged with felony fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, which upon conviction carries a punishment of up to five years in prison, as well as license suspension and vehicle forfeiture.
He also faces charges of second-degree misdemeanor driving under the influence, first-degree misdemeanor refusal to submit to DUI testing and felony third-degree driving with a suspended license.
If convicted of DUI, Rodriguez could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If convicted of refusal to submit to DUI testing, Rodriguez could have his driver’s license suspended for at least one year.
If convicted of felony driving with a suspended license, he could face up to five years in prison, five years of probation and $5,000 in fines.
Rodriguez’s arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.