Merritt Island man arrested after calling 911 for ride to Hooters

Associated Press | Florida Today

Show Caption Hide Caption News In :90: Hops and d'oh; new astronauts named; Powerball grows The owner of former Indian Harbour Beach restaurant Hops and Dough is arrested in Missouri, NASA names its new astronaut class, and Powerball rolls over to its 8th largest jackpot in history. Posted June 8, 2017.

MERRITT ISLAND - A Florida man wanted to go to Hooters so badly that authorities say he told 911 dispatchers he needed a ride to the restaurant because his grandmother had just suffered a stroke in the parking lot.

Instead, 28-year-old Jonathan Hinkle got a ride to the Brevard County Jail on Tuesday night after deputies searched for three hours for his grandmother. When they finally found her at another location, she said she hasn’t had a stroke or asked anyone for help.

News outlets say Hinkle told the dispatcher he’d pay responders to take him to the Hooters on Merritt Island.

Hinkle was arrested on charges of misusing 911. He was released on bond Wednesday night and records don’t list an attorney for him.

More: Hops & Dough owner arrested in Missouri, charged with stealing $21K in TVs, equipment

More: Brevard schools might move early-release days to Friday