Jan. 23
Obstruction
7:54 a.m.
Officer Miklos responded to Marbury Lane for a report of a dumpster causing a road obstruction. Upon arrival, Officer Miklos observed a blue construction dumpster sticking approximately two to three feet into the roadway. The dumpster had traffic cones surrounding it. The dumpster location still allowed for traffic flow. Officer Miklos called the dumpster company and requested them to move the dumpster further into the property. The operator advised he would have someone come and look into moving the dumpster. Case clear.
Incident
12:30 p.m.
Officer Martinson was dispatched to Bay Isles Parkway on a call of a suspicious incident. Upon arrival, Officer Martin was met by the shift manager in front of the business. The manager stated at approximately 12:30 p.m. a woman in her early 20s, long black straight hair and wearing a gray shirt with jeans attempted to pay for her groceries with a fake $100 bill. The manager stated when the cashier then told the woman it was a fake bill and gave it back to the woman since it is store policy to not hold onto fake bills. The manager stated the woman immediately got on her cell phone and called someone and began yelling at them for giving her fake money. The manager stated the woman took back the fake bill and then paid for her groceries with a real $100. The manager stated the woman then left the store and got into the front passenger seat of a black soft top mustang convertible. The manager stated the store did not suffer any monetary loss. Case clear.
Jan. 24
Drugs
12:01 a.m.
Sgt. Butler while on patrol conducted a traffic stop for a broken headlight at the 4300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Upon approaching the vehicle, Sgt. Butler immediately detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. While standing at the driver’s side, he also observed visible smoke coming from the cup holder inside the vehicle. The driver voluntarily surrendered a marijuana cigarette to the officer and it was weighed and determined to be approximately .66 grams. The passenger stated that the marijuana belonged to him and said he did not possess a valid medical marijuana card. A presumptive field test was conducted on the green leafy substance using a department issued testing kit, which gave a positive result for marijuana. Based on the odor of marijuana, visible smoke, voluntary surrender of the marijuana cigarette, positive presumptive test and admission of ownership, Sgt. Butler determined there was probable cause to believe the passenger was in violation of the state statutes for cannabis. The marijuana cigarette was seized as evidence. Enforcement action was taken in accordance with state statute. Case clear.
Boat
2:58 p.m.
Sgt. Montfort while on marine patrol in the area of the New Pass Bridge, observed a 24-foot pontoon vessel disabled and drifting toward the bridge pilings. Sgt. Montfort pulled near the pontoon and advised the captain of the vessel to deploy his anchor to which he complied. The captain yelled that he was out of fuel and was attempting to travel to a gas station to refuel. Sgt. Montfort advised the captain he would not be able to tow him and he would have to contact commercial assistance for a tow. Sgt. Montfort was unable to obtain pedigree information as the vessel was in a tidal zone and he would have placed himself in a dangerous situation close to a bridge piling. Case clear.
Jan. 25
Vehicle
10:35 a.m.
Officer Martinson was dispatched to Bay Isles Parkway on a call of a suspicious vehicle. Remarks in the call stated for the past 15 minutes there has been a man driving around the parking lot in a navy blue Honda van or SUV. The caller stated the driver was trying to interact with elderly subjects next to their vehicles. Upon arrival, Officer Martinson searched through the parking lot but was unable to locate the vehicle. Officer Martinson ran the license plate through Elvis and it came back clear of any wants or warrants. Case clear.
Jan. 26
Assist
2:39 p.m.
Officer Pescuma was dispatched to the 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in reference to a suspicious person. The caller who did not wish to meet stated that a man was sleeping on the bench near the tennis courts. Upon arrival, Officer Pescuma observed the man sitting on the bench with his head down with luggage nearby. Officer Pescuma made contact with the man who stated he was walking to Sarasota and was taking a break. Officer Pescuma asked him if he was homeless, he said that he was and trying to go to the Resurrection House. Officer Pescuma checked for wants and warrants with negative results. Officer Pescuma conducted a courtesy transport to the south end of Longboat Key. Case clear.
Information report
3:41 p.m.
Officer Zunz responded to the front desk of the Police Department for a request of a complainant that her son and his girlfriend are no longer welcome to live at her mother’s home on St. Judes Drive. The woman stated that her mother has moved into a home in Bradenton and she no longer wants her son, being the grandson of her 96-year-old mother, to remain living at the home on St. Judes with his girlfriend. Officer Zunz asked if she had pursued legal action to have them removed, she said she had not. Officer Zunz advised there were legal steps to be taken in order to remove squatters, but she said she only wanted to file an information report for documentation. She said that the house will be boarded up at some point in the near future. Case clear.
Jan. 27
Alarm
1:29 a.m.
Officer Mathis was dispatched to Sabal Cove Place in reference to a residential alarm activation. Upon Officer Mathis’ arrival, he spoke with the complainant via the ring doorbell who advised that the alarm was activated but everything appeared fine via camera and no one was observed. Officer Mathis advised her the high winds Longboat Key was experiencing and she again advised everything was fine. During Officer Mathis’ time at the residence, it appeared secure. No signs of attempted entry or suspicious activity were observed. Case clear.
Jan. 28
Vehicle
3:46 a.m.
Sgt. Montfort while on patrol observed a Mercedes SUV with unsecured doors at Byron Lane. In fear of a possible vehicle burglary, Sgt. Montfort exited his vehicle and examined the car. Sgt. Montfort observed the rear tailgate was open and the third row seating was folded down It appears the owner forgot to close up the vehicle. Sgt. Montfort attempted to make contact at the residence but the front gate was secured by padlock. The interior compartments were closed and no personal items seem out of place. Sgt. Montfort then secured the vehicle and returned to service without incident. Case clear.
Incident
7:35 a.m.
Officer Miklos was contacted by Officer Martinson in reference to a possible gas leak. Officer Martinson advised he was flagged down by a passerby who stated the area between New Pass Bridge and the traffic light at Longboat Club Road and Gulf of Mexico Drive smelled of gas. Upon arrival in the area, Officer Miklos conducted a check from the traffic light to Overlook Park and was unable to locate any gas leak or smell. Case clear.
Jan. 29
Vehicle
10:06 p.m.
Officer Nazareno while on patrol observed a white Cadillac pickup truck traveling northbound on the 6900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive without tag lights and conducted a vehicle stop. Upon making contact with the driver, Officer Nazareno advised her for the reason of the stop. The driver stated she does not have a driver’s license and presented a Mexican Consulate ID card. A court date was issued to her for violating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. A written warning was issued for no tag light. Arrangements were made for a licensed driver to remove the vehicle from the scene. Case clear.