A Bradenton man was arrested Dec. 5 after Bradenton Beach police said he drove erratically over the Cortez Bridge, striking curbs repeatedly and briefly driving on a sidewalk.
The BBPD officer reported seeing a silver Dodge Ram driven by Andrew James Zoller, 22, swerving in the 100 block of Gulf Drive North around 1:04 a.m. The motorist turned onto Cortez Road and accelerated to 48 mph in a 35-mph zone, according to the report.
Police said Zoller drifted across lanes while driving across the bridge, hit the curbing multiple times and at one point drove onto the sidewalk, endangering a pedestrian and a cyclist.
During the stop, the officer noted a strong smell of alcohol, and Zoller admitted to drinking. A records check showed his license had been canceled in October 2023.
Zoller was cited for driving with a canceled license, unlawful speed and failure to maintain a lane.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to conduct a DUI investigation, which resulted in the arrest.
The MCSO took Zoller into custody. He was transported to the county jail in Palmetto and his pickup truck was impounded.
As of Dec. 12, Zoller’s first court date was not scheduled.