Field operations weekly report, 2008 May 18-24

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 18-24, 2008
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
CHEROKEE COUNTY On May 18th, RFC Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix assisted one stranded boater and investigated a possible boating incident at Fields Landing on Lake Allatoona.
COBB COUNTY On May 18th, RFC Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix worked a wakeboard event on Lake Allatoona. They issued four citations and two warnings for boating and fishing licenses violations.
FANNIN COUNTY On May 23rd, Cpl Casey Jones and RFC Eddie Tompkins interviewed the suspected boat operator of the hit and run boating incident on Lake Blue Ridge from the previous week. The suspect confessed to being the operator of the boat at the time of the incident. Arrest warrants were taken and the suspect was booked for reckless operation of a vessel, and failure to report an accident.
On May 23rd, DNR Law Enforcement officers and US Forest Service Law Enforcement officers worked a joint detail on Blue Ridge WMA. The detail led to seven arrests/citations, including DUI, child endangerment, (2) open container, (2) possession of marijuana less than one ounce, and a traffic violation.
FLOYD COUNTY On May 23rd, Cpl. Shawn Elmore, RFC Ben Cunningham, and Ranger Brad Hamby attended the "Wildlife, Wildlands" radio program hosted by retired WRD Biologist Ted Touchstone. The officers spoke about the two upcoming youth camps in Floyd and Gordon counties. Ranger Hamby was introduced as the new Chattooga County Ranger.
MURRAY COUNTY On May 24th, DNR Law Enforcement officers and US Forest Service Law Enforcement officers worked a joint detail on Cohutta WMA. The detail led to 21 arrests/citations including, (11) traffic violations, (3) possession of marijuana less than one ounce, (2) littering, (2) unlawful possession of alcohol on a WMA, (2) fishing for trout with unlawful equipment, and a violation of US Forest Service rules.
On May 24th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore and Ranger Brad Hamby patrolled Carters Lake during the day. The officers issued several warnings and citations for various boating violations. Later that evening, Cpl. Elmore, Ranger Hamby, and RFC Eddie Tompkins returned to the lake. The officers issued several citations and warnings for various violations. During the two patrols the officers detected four boat operators drinking, but none were presumed to be less safe.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
UNION COUNTY On May 24, RFC Kevin Dyer and RFC Anne Alexander were patrolling Lake Nottely at approximately 9:30 PM when they observed a vessel violating the rules of the road by traveling at full speed around two blind points close to the shoreline. When the officers stopped the vessel, they detected the odor of alcohol on the operator. The officers asked the vessel operator to perform some field sobriety exercises and he failed them. He was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Union County Jail where he failed the state administered breath test.
TOWNS COUNTY On May 24, RFC David Webb and Sgt. Steve Seitz were patrolling Lake Chatuge when they observed a personal watercraft come through a "No Wake Zone" too fast and the operator violated the 100' rule 2 times before the officers could get his vessel stopped. While the officers were talking to the operator about the violations and checking his safety equipment, they detected the odor of alcohol on the driver. The officers asked the vessel operator to perform some field sobriety exercises and he failed them. He was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Union County Jail, since the Towns County Intox machine was not working, and he failed the state administered breath test. He was then transported back to the Towns County jail for booking.
On May 24, RFC David Webb and Sgt. Steve Seitz were patrolling Lake Chatuge at approximately 9:00 PM, when they observed a pontoon boat being operated with his docking lights on and no stern light displayed. While the officers were talking to the operator about the violations and checking his safety equipment, they detected the odor of alcohol on the driver. The officers asked the vessel operator to perform some field sobriety exercises and he failed them. He was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Union County Jail, since the Towns County Intox machine was not working, and he failed the state administered breath test. He was then transported back to the Towns County jail for booking.
WHITE COUNTY On May 23rd, RFC Anne Alexander, Wildlife Technicians David Shattuck, Frank Manning and Mark Turner participated in a trout fishing detail on the Chattahoochee River. One man was cited for possession of over the daily limit, littering, and warned for concealing illegally taken fish. 9 trout were confiscated.
HALL COUNTY On May 20th, RFC Eric Isom and Ranger Pamela Garrison responded to Van Pugh North Park on Lake Lanier to assist Hall County with a drowning. The Hall County Dive Team found the victim after a short search.
During the Memorial Day weekend a total of five BUI's were made on Lake Lanier. The rangers investigated four boating incidents that included a boat fire at Holiday Marina.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
GREENE COUNTY While patrolling Lake Oconee on May 25, Cpl. Derrell Worth and Ranger Ricky Boles stopped two PWC's traveling together for violating a no wake zone. The rangers determined that both operators had been drinking alcoholic beverages. The rangers administered field sobriety exercises to the operators and determined that they were less safe to operate the vessels. Both operators were arrested for BUI.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On May 20th, RFC Philip Nelson and Corporal Greg Colson conducted safe boating presentations to the Oglethorpe Elementary School. Presentations were given to 28 classes from kindergarten to third grade.
LINCOLN COUNTY Cpl. Ryan Swain and Wildlife Tech. Mark Patterson were patrolling Clarks Hill Lake. On 05-24-08 they made one BUI arrest in Lincoln County.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Robert Timmerman and Wildlife Tech Mark Patterson were patrolling Little River on Clarks Hill Lake. They observed a vessel operating above idle speed in a no wake zone. Operator was determined to be under the influence and arrested for BUI.
On May 26th, six officers from the Dept. of Natural Resources responded to a drowning call at the West Dam area of Clarks Hill Lake. This was the second drowning in the same area in a week's time.
On May 26th, RFC Brian Adams and Wildlife Tech Mark Patterson responded to a boating incident involving a paraplegic who had broke his femur in a skiing accident.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
TROUP COUNTY On May 20th, Cpl. Brent Railey, along with Ranger David Barr from the US Army Corps of engineers, did a radio show on EAGLE 102.3 in LaGrange regarding boating safety. Cpl. Railey was also interviewed by Channel 9 News in Columbus regarding boating safety. He also taught a boating safety class in West Point, GA.
On May 22nd, Cpl.'s Brent Railey and Jim Bradfield worked West Point Lake and checked a tournament blast off. They issued two citations for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness.
On May 24th, Cpl. Railey and Bradfield checked several boats in a bass tournament in the Chattahoochee River in the West Point/Lanett area and issued several citations for persons operating a vessel in hazardous waters without wearing a life jacket. Cpl. Railey also patrolled with Ranger Adam Jacobs on West Point Lake on this day.

BIBB COUNTY On May 22nd, Sergeants Ezra Wyche and Tony Fox responded to a request for assistance from officials with the Environmental Protection Division. While conducting a compliance inspection the EPD officials' movements were intentionally restrained by persons who were the subject of the inspection. Because of safety concerns law enforcement was requested.
CRAWFORD COUNTY On the afternoon of May 24th, at the public boat ramp on the Flint River at Georgia Highway 96, Corporal Susan Morris was conducting safety and creel inspections of boats. During one particular inspection, Morris detected the strong odor of alcoholic beverage about the person of the boat operator. Further investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of alcohol. He was placed into custody and transported to the county jail where he was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
THOMAS COUNTY On May 18th, while RFC David Brady was checking boating and fishing activity at a local boat ramp on the Ochlocknee River, a boater reported that a suspicious vessel had been pulled into the trees and left for several days. Ranger Brady was able to locate the owner, who informed Brady that the vessel had been stolen but not reported. The vessel was recovered and returned to the owner. Later that day, while continuing his check of boating and fishing activity along the river, RFC Brady encountered three individuals fishing near the public boat ramp. One of the individuals was found to be fishing without a license, and bags of marijuana were located on one of the other fishermen. The marijuana was seized and the suspect transported to the Thomas County Jail.
BROOKS COUNTY On May 18th Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey was checking boating and fishing activity along the Little River when he observed a boat with a young child onboard being operated without proper flotation devices. While discussing the matter with the boat operator, Cpl. Daughtrey became suspicious that the operator was intoxicated. After confirming this, the operator was placed under arrest and charged with B.U.I. and child endangerment.
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On May 22nd, RFC Ben Roberts and Ranger Randy James participated in a boating program for approximately 2000 participants at the Albany Marine Corps Logistic base. RFC Roberts and Ranger James distributed information booklets and answered questions from the public concerning boating and fishing.

On May 24th, RFC Roberts was patrolling along the Flint River south of Albany. After issuing a citation to one person for fishing without a license, RFC Roberts ran a background check and discovered the person had an outstanding warrant for probation violation. Before an arrest could be implemented the subject took flight, and after a brief chase the man was apprehended and transported to the Dougherty County jail. He was charged with fishing without a license and obstruction of an officer.
On May 24th, RFC AL Greer was on patrol when he encountered a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on a one-way street. After RFC Greer initiated a stop of the vehicle the operator exited and ran. After a short foot chase, the driver turned on the officer, who subdued the violator and placed him in custody. The suspect was then transported to Phoebe Putney Hospital before being taken to the Dougherty County jail. In addition to numerous traffic charges, the driver faces charges of DUI, obstruction of an officer, and possession of cocaine and marijuana.
MACON COUNTY On May 24, Cpl. John Harkins and RFC Jon Penuel were patrolling the Flint River when they encountered a vessel being operated by an impaired boater. After failing field sobriety exercises the subject was placed under arrest for boating under the influence.
CRISP COUNTY While patrolling Lake Blackshear, Sgt. Wade Law and RFC Clint Martin observed a vessel being operated with improper lights. Further investigation revealed an impaired operator who was arrested and charged with boating under the influence.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BULLOCH COUNTY
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On May 25 , Corporal Dave Sims was patrolling the Ogeechee River between the Highway 301 Landing and William's Landing. Cpl. Sims checked 17 boats, 31 fishing licenses and issued 4 warning citations for allowing child under age 10 to ride in moving vessel without wearing a PFD, insufficient number of PFD's on board, and two vessel registration violations.
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On May 26 , Ranger First Class Debbie Brannen and Corporal Dave Sims patrolled the Ogeechee River from William's Landing to Oliver Bridge Landing. The Rangers checked 25 boats, 57 Fishing Licenses and issued 8 citations and warnings for allowing child under age 10 to ride in vessel without wearing PFD, vessel registration violations, fishing license violations and insufficient number of PFD's on board.

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On May 24 , Corporal Eddie Akins and Ranger Brandon Pierce patrolled the area of the Ogeechee River between Shearhouse Landing and Dasher's Landing. The eleven hours spent on the water doing boating safety checks and checks of fishermen resulted in over thirty boats being checked and over twenty fishing licenses being checked. The daylong patrol on the river resulted in two warnings being written for improper PFD's.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
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On May 24 , at 9:45 p.m. Corporal Dave Sims received an over-due/missing boater complaint on the Savannah River. The two occupants of the boat had last been heard from at 6:00 p.m. when they reported boat trouble and were trying to return to Ebenezer Landing from Chatham County. At midnight, Cpl. Sims located the couple ashore on the South Carolina side of the river approximately twelve miles south of the Ebenezer Landing. The boat had run out of fuel. Sgt. William Vickers and RFC Debbie Brannen coordinated with family members at Ebenezer and remained on-scene until all boats were ashore. The couple was towed to Abercorn Creek Landing and met by family.
On May 25th, Corporal Shaymus McNeely and Ranger First Class Debbie Brannen were on patrol in the Savannah River above Ebenezer Landing. The officers were observing a number of boats leaving a popular sand bar when they noticed a large boat traveling down river very fast. The officers observed the large boat weave in and out of the boat traffic in the congested area, having several near misses with the other boaters. The officers were able to stop the large boat, which was occupied by two male subjects, both of which were completely naked. Upon speaking with the operator of the boat, it became apparent that he might be under the influence of alcohol. Cpl. McNeely asked the operator to participate in a series of field sobriety exercises. Upon completion of the field sobriety the operator was arrested for Boating Under the Influence and Operating a Vessel Within 100' of vessels adrift above idle speed. He was transported and turned over to the Effingham County Jail.
SCREVEN COUNTY On May 20th, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely and Cpl. Don Dasher responded to a 911 call regarding a stranded vessel on the Savannah River. The officers conducted a search for the vessel out of Poor Robin landing. The vessel and its occupants were located approximately ten miles down river. The officers were able to assist in getting the vessel started, and escorted the boaters back to the landing.
CHARLTON COUNTY On May 24th, CPL Damon Winters and CPL Gary Simmons patrolled the St. Mary's River from Trader's Hill to Colerain. One case and one warning was issued for 100' rule violations. Verbal guidance was issued to several boat operators for failure to have PFD's on young passengers.

On May 24th, SGT Patrick Dupree and RFC Brad Cox patrolled Okefenokee NWR at Stephen Foster State Park from Billy's Lake to Minnie's Lake. The officers were focusing on over the limit violations on pan fish due to recent complaints. More than 20 fishermen were inspected and no violations were detected.
ECHOLS COUNTY On May 24th, SGT Patrick Dupree and RFC Brad Cox attended the Echols County 4H Shotgun Showdown at the request of Echols' Sheriff Randy Courson. Local government officials competed against the high school shotgun team in a 50 round skeet course. The 4H team soundly defeated the county officials for the third straight year.
EMANUEL COUNTY On May 24th, Sgt. Donny Peebles and RFC Jamie O'Brien patrolled the Ogeechee River for compliance with creel limits and boating safety laws. They checked 5 boats and 15 fishermen, issuing one warning.
BERRIEN COUNTY On May 21st, Cpl. Morty Wood was contacted by Berrien County Sheriff Anthony Heath to assist in the search for two lost kayakers on the Alapaha River. Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit with FLIR was also called. The GSP helicopter located the lost kayakers at approximately 1:00 a.m. Cpl. Wood, Sheriff Heath, and Deputy Alan Mann were guided into the river swamp by the helicopter and brought the subjects out safely.
LANIER COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Tim Hutto and Sgt. David Nugent patrolled Banks Lake and the Alapaha River for boating and fishing violations. The officers checked several boats and fishermen and issued two citations and two warnings for fishing without a license and fishing without a license on person.
LOWNDES COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Tim Hutto and Sgt. David Nugent patrolled the Withlacoochee River for boating and fishing violations and issued four citations for fishing without a license.
On May 26th, RFC Tim Hutto and RGR Keith McDonald patrolled the Withlacoochee River for boating and fishing violations. Seven citations and four warnings were issued for fishing without a license, non-resident fishing without a license, operating a vessel without coast guard approved pfd's, operating a vessel with insufficient pfd's, and taking/possession of illegal size fish (bass).
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
CHATHAM COUNTY On May 24, Ranger Justin Heyward along with Ranger Buster Cooper arrested an individual who was operating his personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol in the Wassaw Sound area.

On May 19, Ranger Randy Tinley and Cpl. Cindy Miller were on saltwater patrol when they encountered a shrimp trawler dragging in the channel of St. Catherine's Sound. The rangers boarded the shrimp trawler and cited the captain for using power drawn nets in closed waters.
GLYNN COUNTY On May 25, Sgt. John Harwell and Ranger Rebekah Fuller cited several individuals for violations of the 100' foot law at the Altamaha Park. The rangers checked several other vessels before responding to McIntosh County on a drowning.
On May 8, Sgt. Bob Lynn and RFC Craig Smith participated in a kids fishing event held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. The event was held for kids from the Special Olympics events in Glynn County.
On May 15, Sgt. Bob Lynn presented an educational program on BUI/HUI laws on Jekyll Island to the Georgia Association of Solicitors General, during their spring conference.
On May 23, Cpl. Jesse Cook responded to an emergency distress call of a tugboat sinking in Brunswick River near the Sidney Lanier Bridge with two people on board. Upon arrival the USCG met Cpl. Cook and a recovery effort was already underway. Cpl Cook assisted the Coast Guard and the tug was eventually buoyant enough to make it to the dock.
On May 23, Cpl. Jesse Cook was checking fishing license on two subjects fishing in the Brunswick River. One subject could not produce a fishing license or identification. A GCIC check was conducted and confirmed that the subject had an outstanding warrant out of Glynn County. Cpl. Cook placed the subject under arrest for the warrant.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On May 25, Sgt. John Harwell, Ranger Fuller, RFC Randy Aspinwall, Cpl. Ron Harris, and Cpl. Bobby White responded to a drowning at the Fort Barrington public boat ramp. A member of the McIntosh County EMA dive team recovered the body of the victim.