Chaotic moment Florida woman Annika Olson is handcuffed after trying to give $20 to roadside flower vendor causes outrage online

Florida police handcuffed a woman who blocked traffic after they claim she interfered with the arrest of a Nicaraguan national who was selling flowers by the roadside.

A chaotic video filmed by a motorist driving past the scene saw Annika Olson being handcuffed by police screaming that she was 'just trying to give [the vendor] $20.'

Olson can be seen struggling as she was pinned to the hood of her car, while police pled with her to 'relax' and attempted to take her into custody.

Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), said that they had been investigating the vendor, identified as Norma Garcia, at the time.

'[She] was selling merchandise in the median of Imperial Parkway, in violation of County Ordinance 28-123,' a post to Facebook reads.

Annika Olson was charged with refusing to comply with police's lawful orders, resisting an officer without violence and interfering in the public right of way

'This ordinance, for the safety of pedestrians and motorists, prohibits the sale of merchandise from the median or in the roadway.'

Police said that the investigation took longer than expected because Garcia, who was deported from the United States in Sept last year, only spoke Spanish.

Garcia had previously been warned by police not to sell flowers by the roadside. 

Olson has been charged with refusing to comply with police's lawful orders, resisting an officer without violence and interfering in the public right of way

During the investigation, Olson saw the arrest unfolding, parked her car in the middle of traffic and 'created a safety hazard for other motorists.'

When Olson 'refused the deputies requests to mover her abandoned vehicle' they proceeded to make an arrest.

While being handcuffed, Olson yelled out to a passerby filming: 'I'm just trying to give her $20, I'm just trying to give her $20, please send this to me.'

The TikTok soon went viral and social media users were shocked by the way police had reacted to an offense which, without context, appeared minor.

'I hope she's OK,' wrote one user. 

Others wrote, 'this is NOT right,' 'poor girl... OMG,' 'this is so messed up,' as they posted heartfelt messages in support of Olson in the comments of the video.

Police quickly attempted to clear up the confusion, explaining what led to Olson and Garcia's arrest.

Olson has been charged with refusing to comply with police's lawful orders, resisting an officer without violence and interfering in the public right of way.