LEE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was arrested on Wednesday after interfering while a Lee County deputy was arresting a panhandler in Bonita Springs.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Annika Olson was driving by Imperial Parkway and Bonita Beach Road and stopped her car in the driving lane while a deputy was talking with a woman selling flowers. Olson tried handing money to the other woman when the deputy told Olson to move along.
Olson refused the deputy’s order to move her car and park safely off the road.
GET MORE COVERAGE: Fort Myers Police warn about illegal roadside fruit sales
The deputy was investigating Norma Garcia, who was selling flowers on the median of Imperial Parkway in violation of County Ordinance 28-123, dangerous use of public rights-of-way.
Deputies state Garcia has been warned that selling merchandise in the roadway was prohibited.
An investigation revealed that Garcia is from Nicaragua and only spoke Spanish. A translator was called in to help handle the incident.
LCSO states Olson stopping and interfering created a safety hazard for other motorists, deputies, Ms. Garcia and herself.
Olson was asked to move her car but continued to leave it in the driving lane.
She was arrested for refusing to comply with police or firefighter’s lawful orders and for resisting an officer without violence.
Garcia was also charged with interfering in the public right of way.