Why You Shouldn’t Get On A Jetski With a Stranger
On August 17, 2024, while conducting vessel-based water patrol at Johns Pass Sandbar, Officer A. Klipin and I, Officer B. Rodriguez, were engaged in an unrelated vessel stop. During this stop, another vessel approached and requested to speak with us. The occupants reported that an older white male, operating a yellow/orange jet ski, had touched one of their friends on board.
Upon making contact with the alleged woman, a female in her early twenties, officers observed that she was visibly distraught and extremely upset.
The individual described by the reporting party had been previously stopped earlier in the day and issued a verbal warning for excessive speed. However, the stop concluded when officers received an emergency call for assistance on Channel 16 (the maritime emergency channel). Utilizing information from the earlier stop, officers were able to confirm the subject’s identity, which matched the details provided by the witnesses.
The woman stated that the older male had been offering jet ski rides, and she agreed to go on one. She further reported that after taking her offshore, the subject refused to return her to her friends for a period of time before eventually bringing her back to the vessel.
Treasure Island Police Department (TIPD) officers were contacted for assistance in locating the suspect, and detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) were also notified to take over the case.
TIPD officers located the subject at the 123rd Street Boat Ramp in Treasure Island. He was found sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, with the engine running and his jet ski secured on the trailer. Upon the arrival of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, they immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the subject’s breath.
The subject was detained while further investigation was conducted. After a short period, he was removed from handcuffs and asked if he would consent to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). He was informed that participation was voluntary. The subject consented.
Based on my training and experience, I determined that the subject was operating under the influence. He was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to the PCSO Jail, where a breath sample was obtained approximately two hours after the stop. The results indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .101 and .106.
The subject was formally booked for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). At this point, PCSO took over the case and processed the subject accordingly.
Donny Rapture,POLICE WATCH,cops,bodycam,body camera,police,news law&crime network,code blue cam,police interaction,police officer,crime documentaries,crime documentary,dui,police activity,police videos,POLICE INSIDER,police insider uncut,first amendment audit,1st amendment audit,inside edition,corrupt cops caught on camera,cop,live pd,a&e,law and crime network,crime,law enforcement,donut operator,FWC,Fish And Wildlife,Hunting,Fishing