A Manatee County sheriff’s deputy arrested a Lakeland man for violating traffic and probation laws after he sped through Bradenton Beach in a Ford pickup truck, placing pedestrians at risk.
Richard Shane Burnett, 50, was arrested at 1:09 a.m. May 27 in the 300 block of Gulf Drive North for driving under the influence, reckless driving, refusing to submit to a DUI test and violating a driver’s license curfew.
Bradenton Beach Police Officer Steve Masi observed Burnett as he drove his truck recklessly around a vehicle, through pedestrian crossings and the roundabout at Bridge Street and Gulf Drive, according to the police report.
Masi estimated the vehicle was traveling 70 mph on Bridge Street.
Burnett drove onto the roundabout median, lost control and skidded into an opposing lane, the report stated.
Masi called MCSO for assistance and Deputy Brandon Rowe arrested Burnett.
Burnett refused to take field sobriety tests or provide breath samples for law enforcement.
Rowe reported Burnett swore at him and told the deputy he had connections with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office while he was in his patrol vehicle for transport. He slammed his head and body against the squad, saying he thought the officer was taking him out to kill him.
Burnett was released on a pretrial services agreement and a $14,000 bond.
Burnett’s next court date is at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, for arraignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
