Field operations weekly report, 2009 June 21-27

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report June 21-27, 2009
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)
BARTOW COUNTY On June 27th, RFC Byron Young received a call at 8:30 AM regarding a hazardous area marker pole that had been hit on Lake Allatoona. He arrived to find the pole floating in the water and the hazard no longer marked. He contacted the Corp of Engineers but due to the weekend, they had no one to respond. RFC Young located an older buoy and attached it to the remaining pole so no one would get hurt especially those people boating after dark. The Corp was notified of the need to replace the pole.
On June 27th, RFC Byron Young and Ranger James Psillis patrolled Lake Allatoona by boat. The lake was busy with activity as it has been all year. The Rangers found four boats with children under ten who were not wearing required life jackets. The operators of the boats were cited for allowing a minor under ten to ride in a vessel without wearing a PFD (life jacket). The Rangers also found several other boating violations, which they handled with verbal guidance.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On June 28th, RFC Byron Young received a call at 110am regarding a boat that had hit an object in the water and had several injuries in Cherokee County. The boat was being towed into Victoria Landing. RFC Young contacted Sgt. Mike Barr and they responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the operator and owner of the boat stated that they were returning back to his home located on the water and hit an object. The boat was covered in mud and had sustained damage to the propeller and lower foot unit. It was determined that the boat had run aground as it went on the wrong side of an island and hit a sandbar marked with hazardous poles. Two men and a fourteen-year-old boy were transported to Kennestone Hospital with injuries. RFC Young noticed that the operator displayed a strong odor of alcohol. Sgt. Barr looked at the boat and observed over twenty beer bottles in the floor of the boat. The operator was given field sobriety exercises and determined to be under the influence of alcohol. There were four children also on the boat. The operator was arrested and charged with boating under the influence of alcohol and child endangerment. RFC Young and Sgt. Barr also visited Kennestone Hospital and determined that the two adults received minor cuts and were being checked for any other injuries. The fourteen-year-old boy had cuts on his foot revealing his bone. The Rangers completed a boating incident report as required by law and returned to Bartow County at 630am.
MURRAY COUNTY On June 27th, Cpl. Casey Jones stopped a Murray County man for littering after he saw the subject throw a can out the window of his car. After stopping the subject for the littering violation Cpl. Jones discovered that the subject had warrants for his arrest. Cpl. Jones had a Murray County Deputy come to the scene and serve the arrest warrants. The man was also charged for littering.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
ELBERT COUNTY On June 23rd, Sgt. Mark Padgett was traveling toward his home when he saw a vehicle on fire pulled under a carport of a home. Padgett entered the vehicle once looking for passengers. There were several failed attempts to extinguish the fire. Padgett then went back into the burning vehicle to place the vehicle in neutral in an attempt to pull it from the carport. With help from the owner the vehicle was removed from under the carport. The house was saved but the car was lost.
RICHMOND COUNTY On June 23rd, Cpl. Ben Payne received complaints of boats being operated during hours of darkness without lights, skiing at night and operating personal watercrafts after legal hours.
On June 24th, Cpl. Payne and Sgt. Chaffin patrolled the Savannah River for complaint violations. While patrolling south of the complaint area, they noticed a small boat operating during hours of darkness without lights. When trying to stop the vessel the operator immediately pulled into a dock and got out of the boat. When asked to stop by both officers he did not respond and began to walk away. Cpl. Chaffin apprehended the operator who was not cooperating with orders. It was later found that he was under the influence of alcohol twice the legal limit. He was arrested and charged with operating a vessel under the influence, operating an overloaded vessel, operating during hours of darkness without lights, and operating with insufficient personal flotation devices. Later in the week officers worked complaints at the Marina and made several contacts with violating boaters.
ELBERT COUNTY On Thursday June 25th, Corporal Greg Colson responded to a complaint at Richard B. Russell State Park cabin area in reference to a boat and PWC's violating the no wake zone and operating within 100' of the docks. Corporal Colson found the subjects and warned them for 100' violations and failure to obey regulatory makers.
On Saturday June 27th, Corporal Julian Wilkins responded to a boating incident on Lake Richard B. Russell that involved 2 PWC's. After an investigation,n Corporal Wilkins determined that the incident occurred on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell. The incident was a hit and run and the PWC had returned to the Georgia side of the lake. Corporal Wilkins located the subjects, who had returned to the beach area of Richard B. Russell state park, for South Carolina DNR Law Enforcement

OCONEE COUNTY On Monday June 29th, RFC Nick Jenkins and RFC Phillip Nelson were working the Apalachee River when they noticed a Hispanic male on the bank. After watching the subject for a short time they noticed that he was fishing with 2 hand lines, as well as littering into the river. The subject was charged with fishing without a license as well as littering.
LAKE OCONEE - GREENE COUNTY On June 27th, Cpl. Derrell Worth and RFC Richard Tanner investigated a boating incident involving injury on Lake Oconee. While towing a skier/tuber, a personal watercraft pulled the tuber to close to a hazard buoy. The tube struck the buoy causing injury to the person on the tube. The victim's foot was crushed and lacerated from striking the buoy. The operator of the PWC was charged with reckless operation. It was determined that he was 80 feet from the shoreline and buoy while towing skiers near a hazardous zone.
LINCOLN COUNTY On June 25th, RFC Brian Adams conducted a hunters safety course at the Knox Boy Scout Camp. The course is a joint effort between the National Wild Turkey Association and DNR Law Enforcement.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HANCOCK COUNTY During the early morning hours of June 25th, Ranger Josh Copelan responded to a possible boating accident involving a Jet Ski on Island Creek. A fisherman had located an unoccupied Jet Ski adrift and a torn and muddy life jacket floating nearby. After some time, Ranger Copelan made contact with the owner of the Jet Ski and determined that the Jet Ski had floated away from the dock and had not been occupied.
BALDWIN COUNTY On the evening of June 27th, Corporal Bubba Stanford and Corporal Stan Semmler were patrolling Lake Sinclair near the area known as the junction. They observed a pontoon boat with expired registration and decided to stop the vessel for the violation. Further investigation lead to the arrest of the operator for boating under the influence of alcohol and he was transported to the Baldwin County Jail.
On the evening of June 28th, Corporal Bubba Stanford and Wildlife Technician Freddy Hayes were patrolling Lake Sinclair near Island Creek when they stopped a vessel for expired registration. Further investigation lead to the operator being arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol and he was transported to the Baldwin County Jail Putnam County

On the evening of June 27th, Corporal Bubba Stanford and Corporal Stan Semmler were patrolling Lake Sinclair near Haslim's Marina when they observed a suspicious vessel. The rangers stopped the vessel to investigate what the operator was doing. The operator was not sure where he was at and further investigation lead to his arrest for boating under the influence of alcohol and he was transported to the Putnam County Jail.
On the evening of June 28th, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Corporal Bubba Stanford and Wildlife Technician Freddy Hayes were patrolling Lake Sinclair near the area known as the junction. They could hear a boat traveling toward them but could not see it until it came by them at close range and then they noticed that the boat did not have any lights displayed and that 2 Jet Ski's were in front of the boat. They stopped all three vessels for the violation and all three operators received citations for operating vessels without lights during hours of darkness.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On June 27th, RFC Jeremy Bolen performed a Boating Safety program with the Muscogee Power Squadron. The program consisted of a vessel inspection to check for required safety equipment. The event was held at Lake Oliver Marina.
JASPER COUNTY On June 24th, RFC Billy Bryant and RFC Keith Page were working a litter detail below Lloyd Shoals dam after patrolling Jackson Lake, when they saw a group of people rolling what they believed to be a marijuana blunt. They approached the subjects when they left the area and searched them. The search revealed a bag of marijuana and partially smoked marijuana blunt. The four suspects were all arrested for violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, and transported to the Jasper County Jail.
On June 27th, at approximately 4:30pm Sgt. Tim Kendrick and RFC Billy Bryant were patrolling the Alcovy River section of Jackson Lake near Bear Creek Marina when they noticed a pontoon boat blowing a no wake zone. As the Rangers approached the pontoon boat to initiate a stop, they watched the operator of the vessel leave the helm and assume a seat in the front of the vessel, and a woman passenger leave her seat, and assume the operators seat and control of the vessel. The operator of the vessel, who violated the no wake zone was found to be under the influence of alcohol, and was arrested and transported to the Jasper County jail.
On June 28th, at approximately 12:45am Sgt. Tim Kendrick and RFC Billy Bryant were patrolling the Alcovy River section of Jackson Lake near Water's Bridge. The Rangers were watching a boat driving erratically on the opposite side of the bridge. RFC Billy Bryant received a phone call from the Jasper County Sheriff's Office in reference to a boater nearly being hit by a speedboat at Water's Bridge. The Rangers proceeded to the boat and initiated a stop. The operator of the vessel was found to be under the influence of alcohol, and was arrested and transported to Jail in Jasper County.

TROUP COUNTY On Sunday, June 21st, Brent Railey patrolled West Point Lake for activity. He assisted the Chambers County (Alabama) Sheriff's and Fire Departments with a near drowning on the Alabama side of the lake. He also issued several citations and warnings for boating violations.
HEARD COUNTY On Tuesday June 23rd, pl. Brent Railey went to Rockridge in Heard County (a Christian camp) and introduced about 20 children to the basics of archery. He also inspected one boat for a HIN, inspected a taxidermist, and caught and released a juvenile hawk after determining there was nothing wrong with it.
On Wednesday June 24th, Cpl. Railey returned to Rockridge and had the same children shoot BB guns and educated them on proper gun safety/handling techniques. He also patrolled the area around Snake Creek Access and found a vehicle that was thought to be stolen, but was later determined to be just broken down after the owners came to retrieve it.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DOOLY COUNTY On June 26th, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence were patrolling the Flint River when the officers encountered two subjects shocking fish. The shocking gear along with the fish they possessed was confiscated, and each subject was issued a citation for shocking fish. A warning was also issued for operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
At approximately 8:00 pm on June 29th, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence received a call about a stranded boater. A search and rescue operation was then conducted and the three subjects were located and escorted back to safety by the Rangers.
CRISP COUNTY On June 27th, at approximately 8:00 pm, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence were patrolling on Lake Blackshear when they encountered a boat operating above idle speed inside a No Wake / Idle Speed only zone. After stopping the vessel the officers determined that the operator was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Crisp County Jail.
LEE COUNTY On June 29th at approximately 4:00 pm, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence were patrolling Lake Blackshear when they noticed a suspicious vessel on the Lee County side of Lake Blackshear. Upon further investigation, the operator was found to be shocking fish and operating a vessel under the influence. He was arrested for shocking fish, operating a vessel under the influence, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

On June 26th, RFC Ben Roberts assisted Lee County Fire and Rescue with locating a stranded vessel on the Flint River. The vessel was recovered and the three passengers were returned safely.
SUMTER COUNTY On June 29th, at approximately 9:05 pm, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence observed a pair of jet-skis in the mouth of Spring Creek. It was after sunset and the two operators, an adult and a juvenile were not wearing the required lifejackets. The adult was issued citations for operating a PWC during hours of darkness and allowing another to operate a PWC without wearing a lifejacket.
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On June 28th, RFC Ben Roberts received a lookout issued from Lee County Sheriff's Office in reference to a possible drunk driver traveling south on Philema Road. A short time later Officer Roberts spotted the car being operated in a reckless manner on Jefferson Street in Dougherty County. Officer Roberts conducted a traffic stop on Broad Ave. and notified Albany Police Department. The driver was charged with DUI, driving with a revoked license, and failure to maintain lanes.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BEN HILL COUNTY On June 27th, Cpl. John Stokes patrolled the Ocmulgee river in Ben Hill county. Three contacts were made for fishing without a license.
PIERCE COUNTY On June 27th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, Cpl. Damon Winters, and RFC Brad Cox conducted a boating safety patrol on the Satilla River from the FFA Camp Landing to Cow-bone Landing. Fifteen boats and twenty-five fishing licenses were checked. Five cases and four warnings were issued for fishing license and personal floatation device violations.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On June 16th, Ranger Brandon Pierce checked local creeks for boating and fishing activity. A total of five boats and ten fishing licenses were checked. Three violations were documented for fishing without a license, operating a vessel without PFD's, and operating a vessel without registration.
On June 18th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled both Savannah and Ogeechee River landings. No violations were documented but five boats were checked.
On June 21st, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled the Savannah River from Tuckasseeking landing to Mill Stone landing for boating safety. A total of two boats were checked and no violations were documented.

On June 26th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins investigated a complaint of illegally taken wildlife. No violation(s) are present at this time but the complaint is still under investigation
On June 28th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins checked river landings on both Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. A total of eight boats and two licenses were checked. No violations were documented but verbal guidance was given on how to obtain a boat registration.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On June 27th, RFC Danielle Partin, RFC Clint Jarriel, and Cpl. Don Dasher responded to a drowning off Hwy 135 in Montgomery County. The victim attempted to swim across a private pond. Witnesses stated that the victim had complications and was unable to reach the shore. Recovery efforts were made and the body of the victim was recovered.
LOWNDES COUNTY On June 23rd, Ranger Keith McDonald worked a drowning incident at Brown's Pond. The victim was a 70-year-old male whose boat capsized while he was fishing. He did not know how to swim and no PFD's were in the boat at the time of the incident.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)