Bradenton Beach police arrested Eric Edixon, 53, of Bradenton, Nov. 5 for allegedly driving under the influence, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, driving with a suspended license and refusing to submit to a breath test.
Bradenton Beach Officer Devon Straight was on Bridge Street when he observed a motorist drive over landscaping and he initiated a traffic stop.
Straight spoke with Edixon, who exhibited signs of impairment, according to a police report.
The report also said Edixon’s license plate was suspended and a seize tag order had been issued.
While awaiting a deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Edixon began driving away, leading officers on a slow-speed car chase over the Cortez Bridge, according to the BBPD report.
When he pulled into a parking lot in the 12000 block of 44th Ave. W., Cortez, Edixon allegedly resisted arrest and had to be redirected to the ground before he could be handcuffed.
Edixon also allegedly refused to submit to a DUI test.
He was transported to the BBPD and then to the Manatee County jail.
If convicted, driving under the influence carries a punishment of up to 12 months in jail.
Fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer can result in up to five years in prison with a conviction.
Driving with a suspended license is punishable by 60 days in jail.
Refusing to submit to a breath test on conviction, results in a mandatory 12-month driver’s license suspension.
Edixon was released after paying a $2,240 bond.
His arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Robert Anderson