Florida Man Arrested After Violent Outburst Over Lemonade Stand Refill

A Florida man’s thirst for lemonade turned into a criminal charge after he allegedly assaulted a woman when denied a free refill at a children's lemonade stand.

From Lemonade to Legal Trouble

According to Clearwater police, 45-year-old Steven Cusumano was walking through a neighborhood around 7:30 PM Tuesday when he spotted a lemonade stand operated by several children and one adult victim. Cusumano purchased a glass of lemonade but became irate when he was refused a free refill.

Instead of walking away, police say Cusumano "aggressively" grabbed the female victim by the wrist, adopted a fighting stance, and threatened to "beat her up." After the altercation, he fled the scene on foot but was quickly tracked down by law enforcement.

A Troubling Criminal History

During questioning, Cusumano reportedly admitted to the incident but claimed his actions were justified because the victim was “talking sh*t” to him. His arrest report indicates a lengthy criminal past, including multiple battery convictions, as well as charges for trespassing, drug possession, disorderly intoxication, and assault with a deadly weapon.

Due to his prior offenses, the battery charge against him was elevated to a felony. He was booked into the county jail on a $5,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty.