Pompano Beach Man Who Rammed Boat Charged With Boating Under the Influence, Aggravated Battery: Authorities

Michael Gunther rammed boat with his boat, tried to flee scene: BSO

A man is facing boating under the influence and aggravated battery charges after he rammed his boat into another one on purpose, injuring two people, authorities said.

Michael Gunther, 48, is also charged with DUI with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident involving damage following his arrest Monday, according to Broward Sheriff's Office arrest reports.

Gunther, who is listed on the reports as working for Gunther Motor Company, was released on $5,000 bond. His attorney said he couldn't comment on the case.

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According to the reports, an off-duty BSO sergeant who was in the area attending a boat captains' meeting at the Sands Motel on N. Riverside Drive, spotted Gunther driving his boat at a high rate of speed in the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach.

Gunther attempted to dock his boat nearby and was asked to turn down his stereo by someone attending the meeting. That's when Gunther intentionally "gunned his boat throttle and rammed the victim boat," the reports said.

Two people inside the other boat were slammed to the ground and injured. Gunther fled the scene, the report said.

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Gunther drove to the boat ramp on Northeast 14th Street, where he got into a car and tried to leave but was pulled over by a BSO deputy, the report said.

When the deputy approached Gunther, he noted Gunther "had a strong aroma of alcohol emanating from his nose and mouth," the report said. He had watery, bloodshot eyes, a flushed face, slurred, repetitive speech and was staggering and appeared confused and disoriented, the reports said.

Gunther told the deputy he was bipolar and was taking lithium, the report said. He agreed to do field sobriety exercises but swayed from side to side and performed them incorrectly, the reports noted. He was taken into custody and booked into jail.

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