Holmes Beach police arrested Patricia Johnson, 74, of Bradenton, Jan. 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor charge for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Johnson also was also charged with first-degree misdemeanor charges for obstruction without violence and refusing to submit to DUI testing.
At about 8:32 p.m. Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, an officer conducted a welfare check on Johnson, who was parked in an “unusual manner” and obstructing traffic in the parking lot, according to a police report.
The vehicle’s engine was running and the officer reported Johnson was in the driver’s seat “fixated straight ahead and seemingly unaware of her surroundings.”
The officer began to suspect Johnson was intoxicated. However, soon after beginning sobriety exercises, Johnson refused to cooperate.
The officer arrested Johnson, who resisted arrest by pulling away and grabbing the officer’s hands.
When he escorted Johnson to his patrol vehicle, she refused to enter voluntarily, so he physically assisted her inside the vehicle with the help of a backup officer.
Johnson also refused to provide a breath sample for testing.
Johnson was taken to the Manatee County jail, where she was released Jan. 19 after posting $1,150 bond.
A search of her vehicle and purse uncovered three gummies that tested positive for cannabis.
If convicted, punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to one year in jail, one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000.
Punishment for a second-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be Feb. 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice