- Holmes Beach police arrested Palmetto resident Ryan Boatwright, 49, Aug. 8 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
An officer located a motorist in the 3000 block of Gulf Drive around 1 a.m. matching the description of a potentially impaired driver heading north out of Bradenton Beach.
The officer followed the motorist and saw him exhibit strange behavior, such as stopping at a crosswalk with no pedestrians and stopping in the middle of a travel lane almost 100 feet from an intersection ahead.
The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Boatwright, who had “bloodshot watery eyes and lethargic movements that was indicative of an impaired driver,” according to a report.
The officer called for backup to conduct a DUI investigation.
Another officer arrived and spoke to Boatwright, when he noticed the man was swaying while standing and smelled alcohol on his breath.
The officer asked Boatwright to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.
The officers arrested and transported Boatwright to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where he refused to provide a breath sample.
An officer also issued Boatwright a citation for failing to provide proof of insurance.
The officer then transported Boatwright to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 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, Sept. 5, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
