The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly tried to skip out on paying his bill and reportedly caused a disturbance by fighting with the security at the establishment.
22-year-old Seminole resident Joseph Patrick Lancaster, a student at the University of South Florida, was reportedly visiting the Crafty Squirrel Pizza and Sports Bar in St. Petersburg.
When the bar was preparing to close and cashing out the open tickets from the evening, Lancaster was expected to shell out $820 for the tab he had run up during his time in the establishment.
After reportedly declining to cough up the cash, security began trying to stop Lancaster from departing from the premises.
Lancaster allegedly yelled at the security guard using profane and demeaning language, and the people he was at the bar with paid his bill.
He reportedly continued escalating his aggressive behavior, and the police stepped in to assist with the situation.
When the police were interacting with Lancaster, they reported that the man showed several indicators of purported drunkenness, such as being unsteady on his feet, and having “bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech.”
The police held Lancaster, who allegedly continued making profane statements until the van arrived to transport him to the jail for booking.
According to the police report, Lancaster remained uncooperative with the van driver, and they believed it was best to affix him in shackles.
When he was restrained in the cuffs, Lancaster allegedly said that he was sexually aroused by the confinement, and he reportedly requested that an officer pinch his nipples.
Lancaster was taken to the Pinellas County Jail, and he is expected to face charges for misdemeanor public intoxication. He was released on bond the following day.
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.