Deputies looking for leads in alleged vandalism at Anna Maria pier

Manatee County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a suspect who allegedly vandalized banners at the Anna Maria City Pier in the early hours of July 15.

Around 3 a.m., video captured the suspect riding a bicycle up to the entrance of the pier, which is closed to the public following damage caused by Hurricane Irma in September.

The suspect then “pulled a bladed weapon out of (their) pocket and proceeded to slash the City renderings of the New City Pier banners” before getting back on the bike and leaving the area, a police report says.

Damage to the banners was estimated at more than $1,000, according to the report. Anna Maria City Mayor Dan Murphy was notified of the incident.

Deputies were unable to provide a suspect description and the investigation is ongoing, the sheriff’s office said. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or CrimeStoppers of Manatee County at 866-634-8477.

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This story was originally published July 18, 2018 at 12:48 PM.