A Florida Highway Patrol officer arrested Bradenton Beach resident Joseph Leister, 21, June 29 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Holmes Beach police first responded around 7:53 p.m. to reports of a man passed out in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle with the motor running at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.
The first officer to arrive found Leister unconscious behind the wheel and an open case of beer on the floor on the passenger side.
The officer tried to wake Leister, but the man did not come to until the officer applied a sternum rub.
An FHP officer called to the scene asked Leister to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.
The FHP officer arrested Leister and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample.
He was released the next day 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, Aug. 7, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.