Man frustrated with broken ATM calls Longboat Key police

Friday, Nov. 22

Officer impersonation 

3:47 p.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Misdemeanor: While on patrol, a Longboat Key officer saw a white truck traveling along Gulf of Mexico Drive with flashing red and blue lights mounted on its grill. The lights flashed in a way that mimicked a police vehicle, and the officer caught up to the vehicle to pull it over. Before approaching the driver, the officer searched the vehicle’s registration in an online database to confirm it was personally owned and not from a law enforcement agency. The driver said he was unaware the lights were activated and confirmed he was not a police officer. Backup arrived on the scene and an officer checked to ensure the driver had no weapons on him. According to the driver, he ordered white and amber lights on Amazon, installed the lights and then realized they were blue and red. Despite the story, the responding officer said displaying blue lights in that fashion was a misdemeanor, and the driver was given a notice to appear in court. 

Saturday, Nov. 23

Overcooked

10:33 a.m., 600 block of Bayport Way 

Alarm: Dispatch sent an officer to assist with a fire alarm. When the responding officer arrived at the scene, Longboat Key Fire Rescue crew members said the alarm was caused by burnt food, and no law enforcement help was needed. 

Sunday, Nov. 24

Fishing forbidden

4:04 p.m., 2600 block of Harbourside Drive

Trespassing: An officer was dispatched to investigate three juveniles fishing. When the officer arrived on scene, a man advised the officer the three youngsters were on private property and he wanted them gone but did not want to criminally trespass them. The officer then spoke to the three young fishermen, who said one of their fathers dropped them off at Publix to go fishing in the area. Then, the officer spoke to the father, who confirmed he dropped them off but did not know they would be trespassing to fish. The father apologized and arrived shortly after to pick up the three juveniles. The officer educated the boys on the importance of paying attention to private property signage, and the three apologized. 

Monday, Nov. 25

Mysterious dumpster appearance 

10:38 a.m., 600 block of Companion Way

Suspicious Incident: A citizen called for police assistance regarding an unknown dumpster on his property. Upon arrival, an officer met with a neighbor who said the complainant gave her permission to use his vacant lot to assist during her pool reconstruction. During this time, an unknown dumpster was placed on the property without permission. The neighbor said Waste Management was on the way to remove the dumpster, and the complainant was happy with the update. 

Thursday, Nov. 28

Need cash now

7:40 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road

Suspicious Incident: Dispatch sent an officer to a local bank about an ATM out of service. The responding officer was flagged down by the caller at the scene, who said the ATM was broken and he needed money to buy things. The officer advised the man he needed to contact the bank and find another way to get his cash.