Holmes Beach police arrested Sarasota resident Gerardo Velez, 76, March 6 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Velez appeared to be asleep at the wheel of a vehicle straddling a double yellow traffic line on Gulf Drive, at its intersection with Marina Drive before accelerating through the intersection and veering into a bike lane, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.
During a traffic stop, Velez, allegedly admitted he had consumed alcohol and an officer observed a pipe in the center console.
Velez failed field sobriety tests and registered breath samples with results of 0.137 and 0.138 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
The state’s legal blood alcohol limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
Velez, under arrest, was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he was released March 7 after posting $500 bond.
If convicted, punishment 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. Thursday, April 11, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.