Holmes Beach police arrested Lauren Meyer, 37, of Valrico, May 10 on a third-degree felony charge for alleged abuse of a child without great bodily harm and a first-degree misdemeanor charge for obstruction without violence.
Officers had responded to reports of an intoxicated woman who had allegedly struck a child’s face while on the beach near 46th Street.
A complainant said he witnessed Meyer yell profanity at and strike one of six children with her. Meyer allegedly grabbed the child, “dunked him underwater, then when he came back up, she took a swing with a fist at him,” according to a report.
The officers detained Meyer, who displayed signs of impairment, refused to provide her identity and was uncooperative with police, according to a report.
The juvenile who was reportedly struck told police he accidentally hit Meyer with a ball and she dunked him underwater to get back at him.
HBPD contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families to report the incident and arrested Meyer, who was transported to the Manatee County jail, where she was released May 12 after posting $50,500 bond.
The children were released to a relative.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree felony includes up to five years in prison. Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to a year.
An arraignment will be on June 26 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.