He said a fellow school board member tried to run him over. Bradenton police disagree

The Bradenton Police Department has found no probable cause for criminal charges after investigating allegations made by Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes claiming fellow school board member Dave Miner tried to run him over.

Hopes filed a report with police on March 6 alleging that Miner had tried to run him over after the Feb. 27 school board meeting outside the Manatee County School District administration building at 215 Manatee Ave. W.

Both men said the incident stemmed from an argument they had during the meeting. However, Miner said he did not try to run over Hopes, saying he was trying to pull out of the parking lot, but Hopes kept trying to approach his car.

As of late Friday, however, the case is closed with no charges filed, according to an incident report.

“After interviewing the victim, witnesses and suspect, reviewing the security video of the incident and consulting with the State Attorney’s Office, I determined pending any newly discovered evidence or witnesses, that probable cause to file the charge of aggravated assault did not exist,” Sgt. Leo Donnelly stated in the report.

A clip of the footage, obtained and published by Bay News 9, a news-gathering partner of the Bradenton Herald, shows Hopes attempting to approach Miner’s car as Miner is pulling out of the parking lot. The car stops multiple times close to Hopes as Miner pulls away.

But Hopes said he was told by police that the investigation would remain open.

“This is news to me,” Hopes said.

Hopes said he could not comment further until he spoke with police again. According to the incident report, Hopes was notified of the decision to close the case.

Miner said he is confident police did a thorough investigation and ultimately found no evidence of assault or malice on his part, as he had said all along.

“I think he owes an apology to the school board because this story he fabricated ... claiming I drove my car in a way to threaten him, there was absolutely no truth to that,” Miner said. “I think he owes an apology to the community and he should come forward with it immediately.”

“This is unconscionable conduct in my opinion,” Miner concluded.

This story was originally published March 20, 2018 at 1:27 PM with the headline "He said a fellow school board member tried to run him over. Bradenton police disagree."