Police arrested a habitual traffic offender in Holmes Beach March 6 for driving all over the road.
A 911 caller alerted police about a green Miata that was being driven on sidewalks, almost hitting street signs and telephone poles, and crossing into the bike lane in the 5000 block of Gulf Drive.
HBPD pulled over Mark Shepler, 56, of Bradenton, at 4:15 p.m. in a parking lot at 3900 E. Bay Drive. There, he allegedly told police he’d consumed a half bottle of vodka.
An open vodka bottle was shoved into the top of the convertible hood, according to the police report.
Manatee County court records indicate Shepler was convicted of driving under the influence in January 2008.
According to Officer Mike Walker’s affidavit, Shepler had seven license suspensions, the most recent in April 2012 for five years.
Police questioned Shepler about medications he was taking and he allegedly told police he was on heart medications and Seroquel.
Shepler offered two breath samples, measuring 0.110 and 0.103. The legal limit is 0.08.
Shepler was cited for DUI, driving on a suspended license suspended and attaching a tag not assigned. HBPD also cited him for having no proof of insurance and seat belt and open container violations.
He was booked at the Manatee County jail and remained in custody March 22.
At Shepler’s first appearance, a public defender was appointed and $3,500 in bonds assigned.
Shepler’s court arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, April 8, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.