More vagrancy-related crime reported downtown

One day before a homeless man allegedly assaulted a Main Street merchant, Sarasota Police responded to another vagrancy-related crime downtown.

An officer responded to reports of a man exposing himself at the intersection of Main Street and Osprey Avenue and found David Hall, a 41-year-old homeless man, facing a Michael Saunders & Co. office. Hall then lifted up his shirt and exposed himself to the officer, according to a probable cause affidavit.

It took two SPD officers to take Hall into custody after a short scuffle.

Authorities charged Hall with a misdemeanor for exposing himself and a felony obstruction with violence, and he is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Hall has been charged with theft, trespassing and criminal mischief within the last year, according to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office records.

The incident fits into the context of recent complaints from downtown merchants about homeless-related crime. Several business owners spoke at the City Commission meeting Monday, to continue protests about the issues.