A man on vacation in Florida was arrested after allegedly using a butter knife to cause over $1,000 of damage to a married couple’s parked vehicle.
Just after 8:30 AM on March 16, a couple who had their car parked at the Toasted Monkey Beachfront bar & grill in St. Pete’s Beach reportedly saw someone near the vehicle when they were returning to it. They thought the person, who was on the driver’s side of the car, looked like they were moving their arm in a way that seemed suspicious.
According to reports, as soon as the spouses tried to talk to the man he laughed and sprinted away.
They checked their vehicle, and they reportedly discovered that the driver’s side had several scratches and a lot of paint missing from the body. They also reportedly found a butter knife on the ground near the car.
The authorities were notified, and a deputy from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office went to the location to investigate.
According to the arrest report, the deputy said the damage looked as if it could have been done using a butter knife.
When the security footage from the restaurant was reviewed, the deputy said they were able to clearly see the perpetrator. It was also discovered that the suspect wrote down their phone number on the waiting list.
The deputy called the number, and they were able to convince the suspect to meet up and talk about the incident. The suspect allegedly admitted to the act and said that it was a “Spring break mistake.”
The 52-year-old man was placed under arrest and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of felony criminal mischief. He was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.