- Holmes Beach police arrested Orlando resident Taiama Ferreira, 32, Aug. 6 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Two officers located a motorist around 8 p.m. matching a witness’s description of a gray SUV swerving across the road.
The officers followed the motorist onto Manatee Avenue, where the driver took an abrupt left turn over the curb and sidewalk into Kingfish Boat Ramp at 752 Manatee Ave.
The officers conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Ferreira, who smelled of alcohol, had “glassy and watery” eyes and “slurred, stuttered, and confusing” speech, according to a report.
Ferreira was accompanied by a minor passenger.
The officers asked Ferreira to perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed.
The officers arrested Ferreira and transported her to the Holmes Beach Police Department, where she registered breath samples with results of 0.183 and 0.184 milligrams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
An officer transferred Ferreira to the custody of a Manatee County sheriff’s jail transport unit, which took Ferreira to the Manatee County jail. She was released Aug. 7 after posting $10,000 bond — substantially more than the average $120 bond for DUI charges due to the presence of a minor in the vehicle.
Ferreira’s minor passenger was brought to the HBPD, where she was picked up.
If convicted, punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor includes up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, the presence of a minor could lead to enhanced penalties if convicted, such as increased fines and a higher maximum jail term.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
