Hurricane sensation ‘Lt. Dan’ arrested for defying police orders not to move his boat from dock
Lieutenant Dan, the viral sensation who gained fame for riding out Hurricane Milton on his 20-foot sailboat, has been arrested in Tampa. The 54-year-old, real name Joseph Malinowski, was taken into custody by police at Bayshore Linear Park and Dock. This comes after police had warned Malinowski to move his boat due to concerns about human waste disposal on board, which posed a public health risk. Despite repeated warnings, when authorities returned the next day, the boat remained docked.
Malinowski, known as “TikTok star” on his arrest record, was found to have two outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court. His unregistered boat has been impounded as he awaits further legal proceedings at Orient Road Jail. The nickname ‘Lt. Dan’ is a nod to the character from Forrest Gump, who survived a hurricane on a houseboat.
Prior to his arrest, Malinowski had gained widespread attention for his decision to stay on his boat during Hurricane Milton. He had reassured followers on TikTok that being on his boat was the safest option during the storm, despite concerns for his safety. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor confirmed that Malinowski had been rescued and taken to a shelter before the hurricane made landfall, only for him to return to his boat shortly after.
While many expressed relief that Malinowski survived the hurricane, his criminal history has come under scrutiny. Recent charges include operating a vessel without proper documentation in August, while in April 2022, he completed a one-year prison sentence for assaulting a police officer. Another incident from February 2023 involved Malinowski allegedly igniting a container of gasoline during an argument with a woman on the east coast of Florida.
Despite his online fame, Malinowski’s actions have raised concerns about public safety and adherence to the law. As the legal process unfolds, his arrest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying official warnings and regulations.