Joseph Malinowsky, famously known as “Lt. Dan,” has been arrested in Tampa after gaining widespread attention on social media. He rose to viral fame through his TikTok posts, where he documented his experience of riding out two recent hurricanes aboard his small sailboat. Malinowsky, 54, became a sensation, known for his defiance in the face of danger during Hurricane Milton.
Arrest Details and Previous Charges
Records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office show that Malinowsky was arrested for trespassing and failure to appear in court over previous charges, which included operating an unregistered vehicle and having no valid driver’s license. His arrest followed a string of events where he rejected evacuation orders and decided to remain on his boat during the catastrophic hurricane.
The Storm That Made Him Famous
Malinowsky gained social media attention just days before Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Gulf Coast. He became known for ignoring officials’ pleas to evacuate, choosing instead to stay aboard his sailboat as the Category 3 storm’s powerful winds hammered the coastline. Despite the immense danger, Malinowsky remained nonchalant, describing the situation as “pretty mellow.” His boat was battered against a harbor wall, but he remained calm throughout the storm.
Sacrificing His Anchor to Save His Boat
As the storm intensified, Malinowsky’s boat was repeatedly slammed against the harbor wall. To prevent further damage, he made the decision to cut his anchor line, sacrificing a $250 anchor that now rests on the bay floor. “I was getting bashed against this wall, so I went out and cut my anchor line to get away from it,” Malinowsky explained, showing his resourcefulness in a high-stakes situation.
Staying Calm Through Faith
Despite the peril he faced, Malinowsky remained composed, attributing his calm demeanor to his strong faith. He believes his presence in Florida is divinely guided. “God told me to come here,” he said, revealing that five years ago, he left Colorado to start a new life in Florida. He recounted how he found his boat for $1,200 and made his way to Tampa, confident that it wouldn’t flood. “Can’t flood, not today, not yesterday,” he quipped.
The Man Behind the Name “Lt. Dan”
Malinowsky’s nickname, “Lt. Dan,” comes from the beloved character in the movie “Forrest Gump,” who famously rode out a hurricane in a boat. This connection to pop culture only added to his viral fame. Currently, Malinowsky remains in jail, according to online jail records. No attorney has been listed in court records to represent him.
A Real Lt. Dan Pays a Visit
Interestingly, just as Malinowsky was making headlines, Gary Sinise, the actor who portrayed Lieutenant Dan in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” was in Tampa Bay. Sinise served lunch to deputies in Pinellas County, a neighboring county to Hillsborough. “We were honored to have Gary Sinise himself, the actor who portrayed the iconic Lieutenant Dan in ‘Forrest Gump,’ in attendance and even serving our members,” the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. The post further expressed gratitude for Sinise’s generosity and support for law enforcement.
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