A man who led law enforcement on a chase into Sarasota Bay after stealing a motorcycle and assaulting an officer in Bradenton Beach is now in the county jail.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judge Susan B. Maulucci sentenced Thomas James Turner II, 31, of Duette, Jan. 27 to 364 days in jail on charges of aggravated assault to a police officer and grand theft of the vehicle. Turner had entered a plea of no-contest.
Bradenton Beach Police and several assisting agencies were called after the stolen motorcycle’s owner followed Turner and an alleged accomplice, Amy Melbar, 21, of Gibsonton, to a picnic table at Coquina Park.
During the May 2014 incident at the park, BBPD Officer Thomas Ferrara confronted the alleged thieves and found a concealed weapon, methamphetamine and a glass pipe inside the motorcycle. A fight ensued between Turner and Ferrara, and Turner fled after threatening the police officer with a screwdriver.
Turner ran across Gulf Drive and into Sarasota Bay and finally surrendered to the U.S. Coast Guard, saying he was afraid of being bit by a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office canine, according to a police report.
Turner’s plea accepted the court’s guilty findings and concurrent jail sentences with credit for time served, followed by 24 months probation and fines, including $200 to the BBPD, $200 for attorney fees plus court costs. The court also found Turner guilty on a resisting arrest charge.
Melbar’s charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. She pleaded no contest Aug. 5 and was fined $449.
Initial charges against both defendants relating to drugs and a concealed weapon were dropped.