An Indiana man was arrested in Holmes Beach by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for domestic battery after he was observed hitting a female passenger in the vehicle he was driving.
Michael A. Lawless, 26, was arrested at 2:12 p.m. March 16 on the felony charge of fleeing and eluding law enforcement. He also faces three misdemeanor charges: domestic battery, reckless driving and driving without a valid license.
Lawless was transported to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody March 22.
On patrol, Deputy Peter Pappas tracked Lawless’ vehicle to the 6000 block of Marina Drive after the MCSO received reports that a man was driving recklessly and hitting a female passenger in a green Honda Civic.
Pappas also observed the man hit the female passenger.
Several pedestrians flagged the deputy down about the same vehicle.
The deputy attempted to pull the driver over, but the driver took off at a high rate of speed.
The deputy followed the vehicle while it sped south, cutting around vehicles. Pappas stopped Lawless a second time in the 5300 block of Marina Drive, where he was apprehended and handcuffed.
The passenger had blood on her hands and face, and Pappas requested emergency medical services.
Lawless told the deputy he was upset because, he said, the woman had cheated on him while he was working.
Lawless was being held on $1,700 bond and a requirement of court supervision, according to an order after his first court appearance.
His arraignment is set for Friday, April 12, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Lawless. Appropriate name for such a loser. That’s one of the things I just can’t stand: Domestic Violence