Man Drove Across Beach To Caladesi Island: Cops

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Police say they have a man in custody after an unusual string of events unfolded on the beach Thursday afternoon.

According to police, Ryan Stiles, 27, of Pinellas Park drove onto the north part of Clearwater Beach, over the sand and “all the way north onto Caladesi Island.” Witnesses say he drove over chairs and umbrellas, but no injuries had been reported as of early Thursday evening.

Police say they caught up with Stiles on the north end of Caladesi Island. “He apparently was streaming his drive on Facebook Live during much of the time,” an email from the police department said.

Deputy Chief Donald Hall said it is possible alcohol was involved. Field sobriety tests were being performed Thursday.

"We were extremely fortunate we didn't lose anybody," Hall said.

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