Holmes Beach police arrested Wisconsin resident Martin Kessler, 55, March 18 on a second-degree misdemeanor for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
An HBPD officer saw a motorist around 11 p.m. driving without lights and swerving, so he conducted a traffic stop.
The officer spoke to the driver, Kessler, who had glassy eyes and breath that smelled of alcohol.
Kessler told the officer he had some drinks in Bradenton Beach and was on his way back to his vacation rental.
The officer asked Kessler to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed.
The officer arrested Kessler and transported him to the department, where he registered breath samples with results of 0.153 and 0.143 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
The state’s legal blood alcohol level limit for driving under the influence is 0.08.
The officer transported Kessler to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $120 bond.
If convicted, punishments for a second-degree misdemeanor include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
An arraignment will be at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice
