Joseph Malinowsky, Known as “Lt. Dan,” Arrested for Trespassing and Court No-Shows
Joseph Malinowsky, 54, who gained fame on TikTok for posting videos of himself riding out two hurricanes on his boat, has been arrested in Tampa, Florida. Malinowsky, known by his TikTok followers as “Lt. Dan,” was arrested Friday by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on charges of trespassing and failing to appear in court for previous offenses, including operating an unregistered vehicle and driving without a valid license.
Defying Officials’ Warnings During Hurricanes
Malinowsky became a social media sensation after he ignored officials’ pleas to seek shelter during both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Instead, he chose to remain on his boat, capturing his experiences and posting updates to his TikTok followers. His online persona, “Lt. Dan,” is a reference to the character from the movie Forrest Gump, who famously rode out a hurricane aboard a shrimp boat.
Arrest and Ongoing Detention
As of Saturday, Malinowsky remains in jail, according to Hillsborough County online jail records. He faces charges for trespassing and for his failure to appear in court related to prior traffic violations, including operating an unregistered vehicle and lacking a valid driver’s license.
No Legal Representation Listed
Court records show that Malinowsky does not yet have an attorney listed to speak on his behalf. His arrest brings a sudden halt to the viral fame he had achieved through his hurricane escapades, leaving his followers waiting for updates on his legal battles.
