By Staff Writer

HAWTHORNE, Fla. – In a bizarre incident yesterday, 36-year-old Andrew William Martone was taken into custody, facing charges of indecent exposure and resisting an officer without violence. The arrest followed allegations that Martone had called out to a utility worker before emerging from his motel room unclothed.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that the incident took place around 9:30 a.m. on December 5. A utility worker, who was in a clearly marked commercial vehicle, was driving into the Ranch Motel located at 8010 SE U.S. Hwy 301 in Hawthorne, when he noticed a man waving at him from one of the rooms.

The worker recounted that after he maneuvered his vehicle near the man’s room and stepped out to converse, the man appeared on the sidewalk without any clothes and began yelling at him.

The victim further claimed that following the verbal outburst, the man proceeded to make lewd gestures, grabbing his genitals and simulating a sexual act.

The victim watched the room until a deputy arrived and said the man was still inside. The deputy tried to speak to Martone, but Martone allegedly refused to answer the door.

The deputy viewed surveillance video that reportedly showed Martone coming out of his room, completely naked, and making “vulgar” gestures before going back into his room.

Multiple deputies tried to make contact with Martone, and a family member offered to help, talking to Martone through the door; Martone, however, continued to refuse to open the door. After some time, the family member convinced Martone to come out, and he was told to put his hands behind his back, but Martone allegedly tried to go back into his room.

Two deputies reportedly grabbed Martone, who allegedly tensed up and resisted being placed in handcuffs.

Post Miranda, Martone reportedly said he had been outside “playing his guitar,” but when he was told the incident had been captured on video, he reportedly admitted to exposing himself and said he was “in a silly mood.”

Martone allegedly resisted being placed into a patrol vehicle until additional deputies went to the other side of the vehicle to physically pull him inside.

Martone has been charged with indecent exposure and three counts of resisting an officer without violence. He has four non-violent misdemeanor convictions. Judge David Kreider set bail at $9,500.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.