Police car replacement OK'd
Replacement of a police car totaled in the pursuit and subsequent arrest of a man accused of armed robbery on Christmas day has been approved by Bradenton Beach city commissioners.
John Francis Butler, 45, of Bradenton, was charged with multiple charges in connection with an attempted armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy in Holmes Beach. As he attempted to elude police after carjacking a vehicle, officers with Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office chased him off the Island. During the pursuit, a Bradenton Beach vehicle driven by Officer Roy Joselin was totaled.
Police Lt. John Cosby said the car will be replaced with a Ford Explorer at a cost of $22,400 from Clint Brannen Motor Co. of Unadilla, Ga. Insurance will pay $7,121 of the total; the remainder will come from city funds.
Cosby said a lien for collection of the cost of the associated damages has been filed against the accused in the arrest, and the city could recoup its charges for the new vehicle.
In other police-commission business, city commissioners approved a $3,811 expenditure to replace the air-conditioning system at the lower floor of the police department. Cosby said the original system was installed in 1987 “and has served its time.” Anthony’s Cooling-Heating-Refrigeration Inc. of Bradenton, who was the successful bidder for the work. |
