On Patrol – August 2012

Updated Sept. 9, 2012.

Aug. 31

Bicyclist injured
9:35 a.m. – Officer Skinner – 200 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I was flagged down in the 200 block of GMD by two Longboat Key Employees in reference to an injured bicyclist. Upon my arrival I met with the victim and she stated that she had fallen off of her bicycle. I observed that she had abrasions to her left pelvis and left shoulder.

I requested the response of the LBKFD Rescue. The victim stated that she had biked from downtown Sarasota. She was confused in reference to what exactly happened, but she stated she believes she rode into the grass and lost control of her bicycle when she tried to re-enter the bicycle lane. I examined her bicycle and did not see any signs of damage.

I met with a person on scene and he stated that he was riding his bicycle and come upon the victim lying in the road under her bicycle. He stated that he did not see her accident. He stated that there was a motorist on scene in an unknown plumbing truck that had stopped to help. He stated that the man had called 911. He stated that she was telling the unknown man that she did not need EMS to respond. He stated that the man left after a few minutes.

Aug. 30

A sticky situation
3:31 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 1900 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the 1900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in reference to an incident involving property damage. Upon my arrival I met with the caller and his wife.

The complainant explained that his 1996 Toyota 4Runner and his wife’s 1997 Jaguar were parked to the east of where a roofing company’s workers were working and spaying an adhesive. The complainant stated that the two vehicles were sprayed with some of the adhesive, and he and his wife requested that this incident be documented. I did see that both vehicles did have a light dusting of sawdust and some small specs of a clear hard substance, which could be removed by rubbing.

I met with the owner of the roofing company. He stated that his workers were using an adhesive, which could have blown onto the vehicle. He stated that he would take responsibility to pay to have the adhesive removed. He exchanged information with the complainant and his wife, and they agreed to get an estimate for the work and contact him at a later time. I advised each party involved that I would document this incident and I provided them with the case number.

Perimeter peruse
7:18 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 500 block, Emerald Harbor Drive – I responded to the above location and met with the owner who related the following in detail.

She was called by the witnesses around 5:12 pm this date and advised that a black Honda had stopped at her home; two subjects exited the vehicle and walked around the home.

Further they appeared to be looking at the front door. The owner notified the LBKPD at 7:19 p.m. as she arrived at the home. Officer Martin and I check the perimeter of the home and noted the all windows and doors were secure, and there appeared to be no signs of forced entry.

I then spoke with the listed witnesses who advised that the subjects were a white female with a tattoo on her leg and a white male husky in build with short or no hair. After checking the home the subjects left the area. The male witness obtained the attached Florida license plate. The witnesses advised that the subjects did not appear to attempt to gain entry to the home, and upon leaving the area appeared to leave without stopping at any other homes.

Dispatch advised that a phone number was obtained. I made contact with the listed female who related that she and her fiancé were the subjects seen at the property. They were sub-contract by Accurate Field Services, and were in fact looking at the home, which apparently is listed as in foreclosure. I also spoke to the male subject who advised the he is sub-contracted by the banks to survey, and photography homes in foreclosure. Both subjects sounded genuine in nature, and did not deny any of the activities witnessed.

I returned to the home and asked the owner in reference to the mortgage, which she advised they were in the process of purchasing the home. I provided extra patrol for the remainder of my shift. This appears to be a civil matter in nature. Informational report.

Aug. 29

Open garage door
9:45 a.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 600 block, Weston Pointe Court – I responded in reference to the garage door being open while the residents were out of town. The caller, a neighbor, advised that the door was found open this early morning. He contacted the homeowner who advised him that he was out of town for several days and the garage door should be closed. I checked around the residence and had negative results in locating anything of a suspicious nature. All other entry points were secure.

The garage door button activated the garage door to close. The neighbor was advised to have the homeowner contact LBKPD if he found anything suspicious or missing. No further action taken at the present time.

No cell reception
10:26 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 1400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While on patrol I observed a blue 2012 Mercedes Benz and a red 2009 BMW vehicle parked on the side of the road. The drivers of both vehicles were out of the vehicles in the bike lane. I made contact with both subjects who advised that they were unable to get a good cell signal and stopped to talk. I advised both subjects to pull completely off the roadway and activate their hazard lights. On my return trip up the key, both vehicles were gone.

Aug. 28

Bronze statues stolen
3:22 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 500 block, Chipping Lane – I responded in reference to a theft. Upon arrival I met with the complainant who told me that she was missing two large bronze statues from her front patio. One statue was about four feet tall and was of an egret standing on top of a turtle. The other was the same but about five feet tall. Both were in a bed of rocks that acted as a fountain.

The complainant stated that she and her husband had left town Aug. 17 and had taken everything inside from around the residence but forgot about the statues. The complainant stated that her nephew came by the residence to check on it Aug. 25 and did not see the statues.

The complainant stated that none of her neighbors are home that would have removed the statues for the possible storm coming. She said she has had no new workers in the area that she can recall. She also did not see anything missing from her neighbor’s yards. The complainant stated she might have pictures of the statues if needed to help identify them.

Out of gas
7:01 p.m. – Officer Fraser – 600 block, Buttonwood Drive – Police did stop and investigate a male after a caller stated he was sleeping inside of a white pickup truck. Police did run through NCIC/FCIC. No wants or warrants at this time. The male stated to police he was parked there because his vehicle was low on fuel and his girlfriend was on route to meet him there with fuel. A Field Interrogation Report was completed #8177. No further action as of this time.

Aug. 25

Beer party prevented
1:07 p.m. – Officer Silverio – 100 block, North Shore Road/Beer Can Island – While on Longboat Pass Bridge, I saw a blue canvas canopy on Beer Can Island that had a sign that displayed Talhas Bday Beer Olympics. There were other small signs posted in the sand also. There was only one person seen at this location.

Later while on water patrol with Officer J. Thomas, we beached our patrol vessel off the blue canopy’s location. We made contact with the single person above and advised that a special permit was to be obtained if there was going to be a special event on the beach. The person was identified. She stated that it was just for a birthday party with alcohol. We also advised that no alcohol was permitted on Greer Island. She was not in possession of any alcohol at this time. I also showed her the posted signs for the same.

Since this was a preventative contact, we suggested that if the group wanted to party, then the sandbar off Jewfish Key would be a better location. The town ordinances were explained and she stated she would take down the signs and move to the sandbar. She came to the island by kayak. No further action.

Aug. 24

‘Burning time’
9:54 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 500 block, Halyard Lane – Writer was on patrol in the Country Club Shores neighborhood when I observed a silver Ford truck eastbound on Halyard Lane. The vehicle turned around and traveled westbound. I followed the vehicle as it turned to travel east on Ranger Lane.

Writer saw that the vehicle had no identifying signage to indicate that it was a vehicle associated to any type of construction, repair or re-modeling type service. Writer ran the vehicles tag and learned the vehicle’s registered owner.

The vehicle stopped at the end of Ranger Lane and its driver got out and walked toward a home at the end of the road. Writer pulled up alongside the driver, said hello and asked him his name and if he lived at this address. He advised no, that he was going to speak with the residents at a Ranger Lane address regarding a tile job. Writer asked him why he and been on Halyard Lane, and he advised that he was just “burning time” before he had to be at the 10 o’clock appointment on Ranger Lane.

Writer thanked him for speaking with me, adding that there had been some burglaries on the island as of late and the Police Department was watching the neighborhoods closely. He said goodbye and walked to the home where he’d stopped. Writer continued to patrol the rest of the neighborhood. No further action taken.

Clipboard case
2:52 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 2000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer was on patrol southbound on Gulf of Mexico Drive in the 2000 block when I observed what I believed to be a metal clipboard with papers alongside the roadway. Writer circled around and parked my patrol car on the shoulder of the road. I gathered up the metal clipboard as well as numerous papers that appeared to have come from the clipboard.

Writer saw that the clipboard appeared to be the property of an employee of Duffy Air Systems. Writer made contact with the air conditioning company and advised them of what I had found. A short time later, a subject responded to my location to take possession of the clipboard. Apparently, the clipboard was left on the exterior of a company vehicle and fell off the vehicle onto the roadway.

Aug. 23

Suspicious vehicle
6:22 a.m. – Officer Skinner – 800 Broadway – Officer Morningstar and I responded to Moore’s Restaurant in reference to a suspicious dark color truck occupied by a white male. The caller advised dispatch that after she walked past the truck, the vehicle headed north on Bayview Drive.

Officer Morningstar arrived in the area and located the 2000 Dodge truck parked at 7060 Longboat Drive East. The vehicle owner confirmed he had been at Moore’s Restaurant. He stated that he is painting the house at this location. He arrived too early, so he stopped at Moore’s to finish his coffee and postpone his arrival. He possessed a valid license and did not have any warrants. Officer Morningstar and I concluded our contact at this time.

Abandoned canoe
10 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 1700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the 3700 Block of GMD for the report that an abandoned canoe had washed up on the beach. Once on location I found a wooden canoe on the beach. It did not have any identifying information attached. Dispatch called Public Works who responded and took the boat to the police station.

Aug. 22

Hospital ID
10:16 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer observed a male in the 400 block of GMD walking northbound in the southbound bike lane (sidewalk available on east side of road). Writer stopped the subject and asked for ID; the subject advised he only had a hospital bracelet and identified himself. Subject stated he has been homeless for more than four years, has no means of support, was born in Coral Gables, had a CDL many years ago and was recently in the hospital in Columbia County. The subject stated he was just looking to sleep on the beach before continuing his journey north.

Writer was unable to locate the subject in DAVID or FCIC with the info given. Dispatch did locate a subject with the same description and info including social security number; the subject has a lengthy criminal history but no current wants/warrants. Writer gave the subject a verbal warning for walking in the roadway with a sidewalk provided and advised him of the town ordinance prohibiting camping on the beach. The subject accepted a ride to the north side of Longboat Pass Bridge and was released.

Aug. 21

Bodily dysfunction
4:11 p.m. – Officer Martin – Bogey Lane/Ranger Lane – I responded to the area of 600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive regarding a vehicle driving erratically. It was described as a blue Convertible being driven by a white female. The citizen complainant had stopped in Overlook Park and advised me how she was driving.

I stopped a matching vehicle in the south entrance to Country Club Shores. I made contact with the driver and could immediately tell she was having some type of issue. The driver stated that she had a bodily function accident while driving and was trying to get to her friend’s who lived in Country Club Shores. On top of that problem I could also smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage. The accident had caused her to take her pants off while in the car and she was covered with a towel.

I contacted the driver’s friend and had them come to my location and pick up the driver and her vehicle. The driver ended up finding clothes to wear that were in her car and put them on. Officer Thomas and myself stepped to the rear of my vehicle while she got dressed. When the driver’s friends arrived, I advised them that she was not to drive anymore this evening and thanked them for coming and helping her in her time of need.

Beach burglary
7:07 p.m. – Officer Walls – 700 block, Longboat Court – I responded to 740 Longboat Court to take a theft report. When I arrived I spoke with the complainant/resident and she stated the following: sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., her belongings were stolen from the beach. She went for a swim along the beach near the Broadway beach access and when she got out of the water, her items were missing. She did not see anyone else on the beach and she was unable to locate her items.

I asked her if she thought the wind might have blown her items away. She stated that the bag was weighed down too much to be carried away by the wind. She stated that the following items were missing: Blackberry cell phone ($200), Ray-Ban sunglasses ($200), hardback book “Nature Girl” ($100), grey/pink New Balance shoes ($75), yellow beach towel ($25), pink beach bag ($35), water bottle ($9), pair of women’s shorts ($35) and a women’s tank top ($25). The total of the missing items was $704.

The complainant canceled her cell phone. There is no suspect information. At the time of this report, no items have been located. Nothing further to report at this time.

Aug. 20

Sunglasses missing
3:27 p.m. – Officer Martin – 5300 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The complainant came into the lobby of the department to report his sunglasses missing. He stated he needed a report for insurance purposes. The complainant stated that he had walked down the beach from where he was staying and lost his glasses. He stated he had walked north from the Little Gull Condo’s for approximately one mile.

He stated that it was late in the afternoon Aug. 20 when this occurred. He stated that he had checked that area with no success and came to the department to see if they had been turned in. As of this writing they had not been. I advised the complainant to check with the property manager’s offices of the complexes that he had passed to see if someone had returned them.

Abandoned 9-1-1 call
5:19 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 500 block, Chipping Lane – Writer and Officer Martin responded to a 9-1-1 hang-up call. Upon call back to the number, all that was received was a busy signal. As writer was checking the residence, I located a sliding glass door at the rear of the house that slid open as I pulled it. Officer Martin arrived and the residence interior was checked. Everything appeared normal inside.

Writer checked the phone and only heard static. The sliding glass door was pulled closed as we departed. There was no contact information for the resident/owner of the home. No further action taken.

Aug. 19

Bikes found
5:45 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 500 block, St. Judes Drive – I responded to the 500 block of St. Judes Drive in reference to two found bicycles. Upon my arrival I met with the caller who stated that the bicycles had been left on the shoulder of St. Judes Drive since earlier this date. The caller stated that she moved the bicycles to the Harry’s bicycle rack.

I observed that the bicycles belonged to the Cedar’s Tennis resort. I transported the bicycles to Cedar’s and placed them in the storage area. The bicycles were marked #W063A and M071. I contacted the answering service for Cedar’s and provided this information. No further action taken.

Aug. 18

Walking on GMD
12:01 a.m. – Officer Morningstar – 3800 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer while driving southbound in the 3500 block of GMD observed a suspect walking with outstretched arms while facing southbound in the center of the northbound lane. There are no streetlights in the area and the subject was wearing dark grey clothing. Writer immediately turned to approach the subject and activated the emergency lights.

By the time writer turned around the subject was standing at the side of the road. Writer made contact with the subject and smelled a faint odor of alcohol coming from his person. The subject identified himself verbally and stated he was just waiting for his girlfriend so they could go to the beach. The subject advised he was staying with his father in Buttonwood Cove.

The subject was checked for wants/warrants with negative results. Subject did not appear to be intoxicated and was given a warning for walking in the road with a sidewalk provided. The subject was also advised of the town ordinance in reference to beach hours and was then released.

Aug. 15

Fence fiasco
10:18 a.m. – Officer Martin – 800 block, Jungle Queen Way – I responded regarding property damage. The complainant saw a white truck loaded with bags of concrete leaving the area where this occurred. Her animals in the yard barked so she came out to see what was going on. As the truck left the area she saw the damaged fence across from her driveway. She stated the fence didn’t have any damage earlier and that the truck had been the only traffic on her street. She stated that she did not actually see it hit the fence.

The vehicle described as large white flat bed truck, loaded with bags of concrete with an unknown logo on the side. No description on the driver. Left the area going west.

I checked several roads for the vehicle and stopped one truck that might have been involved but turned out it wasn’t. When I responded to the residence where the damage occurred I met with the owner of the property. The owner and I were able to somewhat repair the fence so at least the dogs would stay in the yard.

I checked the area around this street when I cleared but still did not find a vehicle matching the description. Nothing further at this time.

Aug.13

Vessel adrift
1:32 p.m. – Officer Silverio – Off the Key/Bay Sector 3 – Property found value: $500 FL 5069 HX, 11-foot Coleman vessel, with clothing, boating equipment and empty beer cans.

While on water patrol of north perimeter canal, marker no. 12, I found the above vessel adrift. I checked the area for fishermen or a stranded boater. None where found. I advised dispatch of my findings and towed the vessel to Longboat Arms boat ramp.

Due to suspicious findings on the vessel, I had Capt. W. Tokajer meet me at the ramp. I asked the captain to assist me in taking another look for subjects where I found the vessel. We searched the area and found no other persons in the area.

I met with Longboat Key Public Works and assisted them with removing the vessel. I then spoke to the last registered owner and learned he had sold this vessel to someone but does not remember who the person was. The vessel was transported and is located in the Longboat Key sally port. The vessel is placed into found property under tag no. 2012.

Aug. 12

Noisy party
12:12 a.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 3200 block, Bayou Road – I responded in reference to the possibility of unwelcome subjects being present in the swimming pool. Upon arrival, I could hear loud music and yelling from the pool area. There were six vehicles in the driveway and parked along the road. I observed from the front door that there were numerous persons inside having a party.

Subsequently, I contacted the renter of the house, who advised that she had rented the house for three months and that all persons present were guests of hers. I then advised her of the excessive noise and that the music needed to be kept at a minimum. She apologized and began having guests go inside. I noted that the music was turned off outside and minimal noise could be heard. No further action taken at this time.

At approximately 0115 hours, LBKPD received a call about loud noises, possibly fireworks, coming from the area of the aforementioned residence. Officer Walls and I responded and did not hear any noise disturbances. This concluded involvement in this incident.

Dog on beach
12:02 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 6600 block, Gulfside Drive – I responded to the location in reference to a dog on the beach. I located the owner and advised him of the town ordinance prohibiting animals on the beach. He advised the he is renting for a week and was unaware. The dog was removed from the beach and a written warning was issued. No further involvement in this case.

Drinking ordinance change
12:24 p.m. – Officer Silverio – 100 block, North Shore Road – While on water patrol of Longboat Pass and Greer Island, in Manatee County, I saw the subject get out of the water from behind the vessel and he grabbed a can of something from a cooler. The subject then got back into the water. I beached my marked patrol vessel in a spot nearby and ask this subject what he was drinking. He showed to me that it was a can of Budweiser beer. At this time, I advised this person and the group with him that there is no more alcohol allowed on Greer Island.

Upon talking to the group, this male subject got very loud and stated that he wasn’t drinking on the beach. I advised him that I have been telling visitors to the island for several weeks now about the change to the town ordinance. The male then raised his arms and gestured that he didn’t care and said that he wasn’t drinking on the beach. I also told them about the signs on the island that state “No alcohol on the beach.”

I finished telling the group about the ordinance change. I then asked the subject for his driver’s license and stated that I would be issuing him a citation for the violation. He then stated “go ahead, write me a ticket.” I asked for his driver’s license and he stated that he didn’t have it. I was able to obtain this persons information, now identified, and completed the Notice to Appear (NTA). I also photographed the beer and koozie from subject for evidence (tag #0845). The photo was sent to Longboat Key Police Evidence Tech R. Brey via my smart phone.

Upon the completion of the NTA, I explained to the subject that I needed a thumbprint and a signature on the citation. Reno said, “fuck that and I ain’t signing it.” I told him that if he didn’t sign the document, then I was placing him under arrest. Subject was told by his sister to sign the ticket; he complied and signed it. I explained the court responsibilities and issued him the citation (via his family member because he walked away).

I then took time to speak with a family member about the ordinance change and showed/read the ordinance with her. The family told me that another officer told them that it was OK to drink behind their vessel. After learning who this was, I told this group that the officer doesn’t work for Longboat Key and shouldn’t be giving out incorrect information unless he knows the ordinance. I stated to the subject and his family that they needed to leave the beach now. The group packed up and left. They headed toward Jewfish Key sandbar. No further action at this time.

Wire fire
3:02 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 3400 block, Bayou Sound – The complainant called 9-1-1 regarding a electrical fire at 3400 block of Bayou Sound. He said that the power wires running into the residence had caught fire and made loud popping noises. Upon arrival of LBK Fire-Rescue and LBK Police, the scene was secured and examined.

Whatever fire had occurred, nothing burning was observed upon our arrival. A large power line that FPL had connected from the complainant’s house on Bayou Sound to a neighboring house on Bayou Sound had caught fire. No parts of the structures appeared. The complainant’s home was checked and found to be undamaged. Nobody was home next door and it is undetermined who the homeowner is. FPL was called and they responded to begin repairs. No further action taken.

Dog on beach
3:09 p.m. – Officer Martin – 5600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the area regarding a dog on the beach. I found a suspect on the beach with a small black dog. He stated that he had rented the condo at the location and was told he could have a dog there. I informed him about the town ordinance regarding dogs on the beach. He stated he didn’t know that and took the dog back to his condo. Nothing further.

Aug. 10

Reckless boating
1:36 p.m. – Officer Silverio – Bay Sector 6/Off the Key – While on water patrol of the Intra Coastal Waterway (I.C.W.), in Manatee County, operating southbound in the posted speed zone off Sisters Key, I saw the above vessel plowing northbound with a male passenger bow riding. I saw this occur between marker 38 and 36 in the I.C.W. Due to the vessel traffic, I advised over the PA system to the male passenger to put his legs inside the vessel. Even though this large vessel was equipped with a railing and stanchions, the passenger’s legs were hanging overboard and outside the stanchion. I turned my vessel around in the channel, activated my blue lights and stopped this vessel between Sisters Key and Jewfish Key. I advised the operator of the violation. A boating safety inspection was conducted. No violations found.

Due to this vessel’s speed, other vessel traffic and the bow riding violation, I issued the operator a citation for careless operation, FSS 327.33(2). I explained the citation and state law to the operator. The operator signed the citation only after I wrote his supposed speed on the citation. The court responsibilities were explained, I thanked him for his cooperation and he was released. Nothing further.

Confused and confounded
1:35 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 3000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the area in regard to a call about a female entering traffic and appearing to be confused. A check of the area was negative for any such individual. I rechecked the area at a later time and found no one who saw the subject. Nothing further at this time.

Aug. 9

Vehicle egged
8:06 a.m. – Officer Fraser – 5700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The above caller stated between 0100 hours and 0800, someone did throw eggs at his vehicle while parked at above location in parking space no. 33. There is no visible damage at this time. The eggs did strike the driver’s side of the vehicle. The owner was advised to wash the vehicle immediately and if any damage was discovered to call police. No description of doer(s) at this time.

Speeding boat
6:07 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 900 block Spanish Drive South – I responded to the location in reference to a boater driving too fast inside the marina basin. Upon arrival I made contact with the complainant who stated that while he was inside his residence, he observed a blue and white runabout driving into the basin from the Intercoastal Waterway much faster than it should have been. He walked outside toward the basin and observed the boat turn around and started heading back toward him as if to leave. The complainant yelled at the operator to slow down. The boat did slow some but exited the basin and then sped up leaving in an unknown direction. The complainant stated that several other residents also yelled at the operator to slow down.

The complainant described the boat as approx. 20-24 feet in length. He supplied a registration number, which did not come back as registered to anything. He stated that the boat was being driven by a white male and the boat had two female passengers sitting to the stern. He did not recognize the boat or its occupants.

Aug. 8

Wrong way
9:40 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 500 block, Broadway – Guard at the north Bay Isles guard shack reported a possible reckless driver. Guard stated that an older white female in a white Mercedes had driven the wrong way through the gates then the wrong way on Bay Isles. Writer located the mentioned driver as she was exiting her vehicle at the CVS. The driver stated that she had gotten turned around trying to find her way into CVS. She had not been aware that the new store was open. No problem observed.

Aug. 7

Obstruction production
12:51 a.m. – Officer Walls – Gulf of Mexico Drive/Spinnaker Lane – I responded to the 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive for a highway obstruction. When I arrived, I saw a large branch had fallen from a tree. The branch was obstructing the entire southbound lane and part of the northbound lane. We attempted to contact Public Works for assistance, but we were unable to reach them.

Officer Greathouse, Officer Bourdeaux and I were able to remove the large pieces of the branch from the roadway. We left a message for Public Works and informed them to remove the remaining debris in the morning. The roadway was opened back up for normal traffic.

Aug. 6

Kayak carted off
10:46 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 6900 block, Poinsetta Avenue – I met with the complainant who advised that person(s) unknown had taken a kayak from the property he is renting. He contacted the owner of the kayak who advised no one had permission to remove the kayak. The last time the kayak was seen was Friday, Aug. 3. There are no identifying marks on the kayak and serial numbers are not available. I advised the complainant to have the owner fax any information on the kayak to the department. A check of the area was negative for the kayak. No one in the area remembers anything suspicious during the weekend. Nothing further at this time.

Set of keys
11:05 a.m. – Officer Nagell – Linley Street/Bayside Drive – While on patrol I was flagged down by a citizen who located a set of keys. The keys and key FOB activated a vehicle, which was parked near the Linley Street boat ramp. I attempted to contact the owner with no success. I placed a business card on the vehicle for the owner to contact the department for the key. Nothing further at this time.

Wallet lost on key
3:17 p.m. – Officer Brey – 5400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Complainant stated he lost his wallet at an unknown location on the key. Wallet is described as a black leather men’s bi-fold wallet that contained his Florida driver’s license, several credit cards and $100. He had already cancelled his credit cards. Complainant could not offer any additional information about his loss.

Aug. 5

Transformer explosion
11:20 a.m. – Officer Fraser – 700 block, Spanish Drive North – An electric transformer in the rear did explode causing a power outage to surrounding areas. The town of Longboat Key Fire-Rescue Department was on location. Florida Power & Light was notified.

Aug. 3

Tricycle found
7:43 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 1100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to a condominium guard shack for a report of found property. Once on scene I met the complainant by the beach. He pointed out a water tricycle that was parked on the condominium property. He told me the tricycle doesn’t belong to them. He has no idea who it does belong to or who parked it there. I called Public Works and had them respond to pick up the trike and take it to the police station. They left it in the rear-fenced lot at the station.

Campfire on beach
9:26 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 3000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded in reference to subjects having a fire on the beach. Upon my arrival I made contact with three teenage subjects. I observed that they had a small fire. The subjects stated they are here on vacation with their parents. I explained to the subjects that campfires are prohibited on the beach. The subjects apologized for the violation and extinguished the fire. No further action taken.

Aug. 2

Attempted robbery thwarted
2:36 a.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 2300 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to a condominium complex in reference to the security guard observing four male subjects acting suspiciously in the parking lot area to the north. He advised that several subjects were attempting to open car doors in the southernmost lot of a neighboring condominium.

According to the guard, these four male subjects were dressed in all black, but he was unable to determine race or age range. After he yelled out to the four subjects they ran in different directions southbound. He stated that no vehicles left the area prior to law enforcement arrival at the scene.

Officer Greathouse and I checked the area and located no suspicious persons or vehicles. A check of the beach area also was negative. I examined the cars in the neighboring parking lot and detected no signs of entry into any vehicles. A further check of vehicles in surrounding complexes was also negative for signs of entry. This concluded my involvement in this case at the present time.

Land Rover parked on beach
8:18 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 1600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the beach area and found a black 2005 Land Rover vehicle parked on the beach. I made contact with the driver who was identified via Florida driver’s license. I advised him that not only was he in violation of a town ordinance, he was also trespassing on private property. He stated he was unaware and left the area after I issued a written warning. A computer check was negative for wants or warrants.

Bike found
9:53 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 4300 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While on patrol I was flagged down by a citizen and advised of a child’s bike lying on the grass near the mid-key water tower. I took possession of the bike and attempted to locate the owner to no avail. The bike was placed in the sally port for safekeeping. As of this writing no calls have been received in regard to the bike.

Dump truck disaster
10:08 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 500 block, Rountree Drive – I met with a driver of a green 2007 Mack dump truck. He advised that while maneuvering through the narrow street his rear bumper got caught on the front passenger’s wheel of 1999 Dodge truck, which was parked. He advised he immediately stopped his vehicle, and either one of two other person(s) in the other vehicle backed the Dodge truck up causing a rub mark to the tire and a scratch to the rim. There was no other sign of related damage.

I made contact with one of the subjects in the Dodge who did state that he moved the truck. A man who was not on scene and did not wish to respond owns the vehicle. A waste management supervisor responded and documented the damage, which is estimated at $100. The driver of the Dodge advised that the owner of the vehicle drives the vehicle, as they do not have licenses. I provided both parties with a case number and business card. No further involvement at this time. Waste Management will contact the owner to find out his wishes as to the damage.

Meat market
1:32 p.m. – Officer Martin – Gulf of Mexico Drive/Reclinata – I responded to the area regarding a vehicle and occupants that were soliciting in the area. The listed vehicle was stopped in the area and they were selling meat products for a company out of St. Petersburg called Direct USA.

Both suspects produced ID and stated that they were attempting to sell their product on the key. Neither was aware of the ordinance prohibiting such activity. The ordinance was explained to them, and they stated they understood. They both checked clear and were released at the scene. Nothing further.

Aug. 1

Fishing in ‘no fishing’
12:29 a.m. – Officer Skinner – Off the key/Longboat Pass Bridge – I responded to the Longboat Pass Bridge in reference to a report of three subjects fishing within the posted “No Fishing” area. Upon my arrival I met with the caller, who was the bridge tender on duty.

The bridge tender stated that the three male subjects have been advised in the past several times to not fish in the posted “No Fishing” area, but they continue to do so. He said the subjects were fishing in the restricted area again this night, so he told them to move. He stated the subjects quit fishing, but they remained in the restricted no fishing area.

Upon my arrival I observed three subjects standing within the no fishing area; they had rod and reels with them, but they were not fishing. I advised the subjects that they would be in violation of pedestrian traffic regulations FSS 316.130(a) if they were fishing between the posted areas. I advised the subjects that this incident would be documented, and if I were to see them committing this violation in the future they would receive a citation. The subjects stated that they understood the warning, and they left the area.

I contacted the bridge tender and advised him to contact LBKPD if he were to see the subjects fishing in the restricted areas again. I confirmed it was not a violation of Florida laws to be standing with the posted no fishing areas unless the bridge signals are activated (FSS 316.16).

Too early morning swim
3:04 a.m. – Officer Morningstar – 4000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer observed the vehicle parked in the parking lot in the 4000 block of GMD. Writer went to the beach and found three persons in the water. Writer advised them of the ordinance for beach hours; they left without incident. Nothing further.

Battery incidents on beach
4:55 a.m. – Officer Morningstar – 5200 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer along with Officers Skinner and Coffman responded to the 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive for a battery in progress. Officers arrived on scene and met with the complainant by the road. The complainant stated she was on the beach with her friend, the female victim, as well as the victim’s male friend. She stated the male friend had battered the female victim. He was arrested for battery and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Complainant stated that while on the beach the subject started pushing her friend, and when she tried to break them up the subject pushed her to the ground then got on top of her and began punching her in the head and face. She was able to get away and call police and waited by the road for our arrival. Officers did observe a cut on her mouth and redness consistent with being punched in the face. Her hand-written statement is attached.

Officers went to the beach to locate the suspect and observed a white male holding a female face down on the beach. The female was yelling at the male to “get off of me,” and officers heard the female yell this several times. Officers ordered the male to step away; the male identified himself verbally and was immediately taken into custody.

The victim also gave a written statement, which stated that the subject assaulted her friend and then attempted to assault her on the beach. She advised she didn’t really want to press charges for herself but did want him to go to jail for assaulting her friend.

Denture drop
11:03 a.m. – Officer Brey – 4000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Complainant brought in one half of a set of dentures, stating that he found them on the beach in the 4000 block. Entered into property/evidence under tag number 3149.