Holmes Beach police and the Manatee County sheriff’s deputies arrested resident Douglas Naeher, 60, July 21 for allegedly attempting the premeditated first-degree murder of his wife, a first-degree felony.
He also faces a charge of domestic battery, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Holmes Beach police Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander July 22 that Naeher’s arrest was sparked by a report on his actions during a boat ride with his wife.
According to Tokajer, Naeher’s wife entered the Holmes Beach Police Department July 20 to report that he had battered and choked her earlier that day when they were boating in waters about 30 miles offshore.
She reportedly leaped from their boat as they entered a residential canal out of fear for her safety and then made her way a short distance to the HBPD.
Naeher fled the island in his vehicle after docking the vessel, according to Tokajer.
The case was forwarded to the MCSO due to the agency’s jurisdiction over the waterways where the incident occurred, and the sheriff’s office executed search warrants on the vessel and Naeher’s home.
The MCSO also issued warrants for Naeher’s arrest based on his wife’s allegations.
The HBPD entered his vehicle’s information into the city’s license plate recognition system and was notified that the vehicle reentered the city around 2 p.m. July 21.
Holmes Beach police found Naeher’s vehicle in the driveway of his home and contacted the MCSO for assistance with the man’s arrest.
Upon the arrival of MCSO units, law enforcement from both agencies approached the house to initiate the arrest, at which point Naeher stepped outside and surrendered, according to Tokajer.
Naeher was arrested and transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody as of July 22.
If convicted, punishment for a first-degree felony includes life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.
An arraignment was not scheduled as of July 22.