Field operations weekly report, 2009 May 31-June 6

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 31- June 6, 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 1st, RFC Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix were patrolling Lake Allatoona when they witnessed a PWC flip at high speed in front of the lake's dam. Two women on the PWC were having difficulty turning the PWC back over and were struggling in the water. The rangers assisted the two women and got them and their PWC back to a safe location.
On June 6th, RFC Byron Young and RFC Brooks Varnell patrolled Lake Allatoona. They worked an area near Galts Ferry where they had received complaints of jet-skis violating the 100-foot rule. Throughout the afternoon, they encountered several people near the day use area that were too close to other boats, people, and the beach. Citations were issued for those violations.
On June 6th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Chip Cox were working a complaint of boats running through the no wake zone at Wilderness Camp on Lake Allatoona. A cabin cruiser came through the zone under full power. The boat was stopped and through checking the operator's safety equipment, Cpl. Cox noticed the operator was unsteady and smelled of alcohol. The operator was given field exercises to determine his level of intoxication. The operator was arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol and transported to the Bartow County Jail.
FLOYD COUNTY On June 6th, Cpl Casey Jones and Ranger Cody Jones arrested a Floyd County man for operating a vessel while under the influence. The rangers were patrolling Lake Blue Ridge when the operator of the boat drove by them on the wrong side of the lake and cut a "blind point" all while operating an overloaded vessel.
GILMER COUNTY On June 5th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore, RFC Eddie Tompkins, and Ranger Cody Jones completed a late night patrol on Carters Lake. Multiple bass tournaments were being held. The officers issued 2 citations and 5 warnings violations including: operating without lights, operating with improper lights, and other boating safety violations.
On June 6th, RFC Eddie Tompkins patrolled Carters Lake with US Army Corp of Engineers Officer Mathew Sheriff. The officers issued 3 citations and 13 warnings for operating vessel with insufficient PFDs, 100-foot rule, and other boating safety violations. One subject was arrested for BUI after being stopped for expired registration and littering.

MURRAY COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Eddie Tompkins was patrolling Holly Creek on Cohutta WMA when he observed a car driving reckless. RFC Tompkins stopped the vehicle and the driver was unlicensed. The driver was issued a citation for driving while unlicensed and the vehicle was released to a licensed driver.
On June 6th, RFC Eddie Tompkins was traveling North on Hwy 225 after leaving Carters Lake when a motorcycle approached from behind at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle was weaving all over the road and passed RFC Tompkins. RFC Tompkins fell in behind the motorcycle and paced the motorcycle at 100 mph. RFC Tompkins stopped the motorcycle and found the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and charged with DUI.
PICKENS COUNTY On May 28th, through May 30th, Cpl. James Keener and Wildlife Technicians Mitch Yeargin, Ronnie Holcomb, and Mike Cline assisted the Pickens County Sportsman's Club with a fishing event on Long Swamp Creek (Cove Creek). This is an annual threeday fishing event hosted by the Sportsman's Club and DNR. On Thursday the 28th, a group of handy-capped individuals and people with special needs were brought to fish from the Burnt Mt. Center. On Friday the 29th, senior citizens were brought from the local nursing centers in the county. On Saturday the 30th, the event was held as a Kid's Fishing Event for local youth ages 15 and under. There were many first time fishermen and many fish were caught. The fisheries section stocked trout on two occasions for the events. Local businesses donated fishing rods and reels, food, tackle, drinks, ice, etc. The three-day fishing event was a huge success!
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
HART COUNTY On June 6th, RFC Chris Moore and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled Lake Hartwell by boat. Several boating and fishing citations were issued. Around midnight, they stopped a boat and one of the passengers was charged for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act for a misdemeanor amount of marijuana.
On May 31st, RFC Josh Chambers and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled Lake Hartwell by boat. Just before midnight, a person on a jet ski came down the lake. The operator was arrested for operating under the Influence, and operating a personal watercraft after hours.

RABUN COUNTY On June 6th, Cpl Derek Dillard and Rabun County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Stewart were patrolling Lake Burton when they stopped a boat with 10 people on it drinking alcohol and missing its registration numbers. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested and charged with operating the vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, the operator and eight more of his 10 passengers were charged with underage possession of alcohol. One of the passengers was also charged with simple possession of marijuana.
FANNIN COUNTY On June 6th, RFC Cody Jones, Sgt. Steve Seitz, RFC Kevin Dyer, Wildlife Technicians Dale Clayton and Barry Mullis, and DNR Intern Ryan Lippincott participated in the annual USFWS Kids Fishing Event that was held at the National Fish Hatchery on Blue Ridge WMA. The officers manned the DNR booths that included the: Laser shot shooting simulator, fishing simulator, and BB gun shooting range for the (approx) 700 participants.
FORSYTH COUNTY On June 4th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Pamela Shelton met with the 911 operators of this county. The rangers explained the difference between DNR and the Army Corps of Engineer. Also, they answered questions from the operators on how to handle certain situations and to what ranger or agency to call in these situations.
On June 4th, Sgt. Lee Brown talked with the campers at the Archery Camp being held at the Buford Fish Hatchery. Sgt. Brown talked with the campers about his job duties and answered numerous questions.
On June 5th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk was patrolling Lake Lanier in Six Mile Creek. Cpl. Loudermilk observed a subject at the Six Mile Boat Ramp using a cast net to take game fish. Cpl. Loudermilk dealt with this infraction along with a couple of others.
HALL COUNTY On June 5th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mark Stephens were patrolling Lake Lanier in the Shoal Creek area. While patrolling this area the rangers checked several vessels. During one of these checks a subject was arrested for boating under the influence and other violations.
On June 6th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and RFC Mark Stephens were patrolling Lake Lanier. During this days patrol the rangers checked numerous vessels. The rangers arrested two subjects for boating under the influence and other violations throughout the day.

On June 6th, while patrolling Lake Lanier Sgt. Lee Brown and Cpl. Eric Sanders assisted the Hall County Fire Department and Sheriff's Office with locating a subject who had injured his ACL while playing football on an island. The rangers assisted with securing the patient and transporting him to the ambulance.
Later that evening Sgt. Brown and Cpl. Sanders stopped a PWC for towing a skier without an observer. While the operator was retrieving their driver's license Cpl. Sanders smelled the strong odor of marijuana. Cpl. Sanders saw the marijuana in the same bag as the operator's driver's license. The operator was charged with towing a skier on a PWC without an observer and possession of marijuana.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On June 6th & 7th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins, RFC Brian Adams and RFC Robert Timmerman provided security for the Drag Boat Races at Wildwood Park.
ELBERT COUNTY On May 31st, Cpl. Julian Wilkins received a call in reference to a stranded vessel on Lake Russell. Cpl. Wilkins responded to the area by vessel and found the stranded boaters. After making sure that all the passengers were OK, Cpl. Wilkins towed the vessel and its passengers back to safety.
JEFFERSON COUNTY On June 6th & 7th Region III Rangers responded to Jefferson County to assist with the search of a missing 82 year old male that suffers from dementia. He had been missing since 2:00 pm on Friday, June 5th. After several days of searching, tracks of the individual were found 2.4 miles from his residence. Shortly before dark, on Sunday, June 7th Rangers found the wallet of the missing person. While waiting for a tracking dog, Rangers spotted movement approximately 150 yards away and discovered the missing person alive. He was secured in the back of a vehicle and transported out of the wooded area to the nearest road. He was then evaluated by EMT's and transported to a local hospital. The following Rangers participated in the search: SGT Matt Garthright, SGT Brian Carter, SGT Doyte Chaffin, CPL Micheal Crawley (K-9), CPL Ben Payne, CPL Julian Wilkins, CPL Brian Hobbins, RFC Jeff Billips, RFC Ricky Boles, RFC Richard Tanner, Tech III Mark Patterson, I.B. Parnell, and Captain Thomas Barnard.
Also on Saturday, June 6th after searching for the missing person, Captain Barnard, SGT Matt Garthright and RFC Ricky Boles responded to a nuisance alligator complaint in the same area. Upon arrival, a five-foot alligator was drawing a crowd of people. The three rangers captured the alligator and relocated it to a swamp where it would not cause any attention.

MCDUFFIE COUNTY On June 5th Region III Rangers received in-service training. The training consisted of Basic Spanish vocabulary and commonly used phrases dealing with law enforcement situations.
MORGAN COUNTY SGT Matt Garthright was checking fishing license at Swords Boat Ramp when he observed a boat approaching the dock. He heard yelling coming from the boat and observed the operator consuming an alcoholic beverage. SGT Garthright approached the boat and found that the operator appeared to be intoxicated. SGT Garthright administered field sobriety exercises to the operator. The operator failed all field sobriety exercises and was arrested for Boating Under the Influence. The Intox 5000 breath test was administered and the operator tested at 0.150 grams.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
LAKE SINCLAIR - BALDWIN/PUTNAM COUNTY On May 29th, Corporal Bill Goodson and Sergeant Bo Kelly patrolled Lake Sinclair and issued several warnings due to boating safety infractions. On May 30th, Corporal Bill Goodson, Corporal Bubba Stanford and Sergeant Bo Kelly patrolled Lake Sinclair and issued several warnings and citations for boating safety infractions and fishing violations.
HEARD COUNTY On May 29th, Cpl. Jim Bradfield checked two illegal dumping and burning complaint areas in Heard County. The complaints came from Heard County Code Enforcement and involved dumping and burning of construction and demolition debris. Both areas were located and the Environmental Protection Division was notified about the incident.
Troup County On May 30th, Cpl. Jim Bradfield checked boating and fishing activity on West Point Lake. The boating traffic on West Point Lake was heavy because of the nice weather and the lake being at full pool. Several citations and warnings were issued during this patrol. Three persons were screened for operating a boat under the influence and all passed the screening process.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Brent Railey went to "Camp Cowpie" a local Cub Scout camp, and gave six 45-minute presentations about trash and how it can harm wildlife.
On June 6th, Cpl. Brent Railey along with Cpl. Jim Bradfield worked West Point Lake. They checked about 20 boats and issued 7 citations and 5 warnings. Included was a BUI to an 18 year old that was driving a bass boat at about 9:30 pm without lights. He registered 0.067 g/l, which is over 3 times the legal limit for an underage person.

HENRY COUNTY On May 25th, Sgt. Russell Ramsey, RFC Kevin Godbee, RFC Travis Sweat, and Ranger Adam Jacobs assisted Henry County Police Department with a Memorial Day road safety check. Several arrests and citations were issued for DUI, drug possession and for various traffic violations.
On May 30th, at 3:30 P.M. SGT. Ramsey and RFC Sweat were patrolling the Tussahaw Reservoir. The two officers received a call from Henry County that an ATV accident had occurred on Stroud Rd on the Henry Butts County Line. The two Rangers quickly made their way to the scene of the accident and arrived just as the Henry County Fire Dept. pulled up on the scene. SGT Ramsey assisted the EMT's with the injured subject and RFC Sweat spoke with the family and helped maintain a safe zone for the EMT's to work. The subject was quickly loaded in an ambulance and transported to the Butts County Hospital.
On Thursday June 4th, RFC Travis Sweat, RFC Kevin Godbee and Sgt. Russ Ramsey presented the yearly instructions for the Instructor's of the CHAMPS Program Sponsored by the Georgia Sheriff's Association in Henry County. The program consists of presenting the instructors with information covering boating, water, hunting and firearm safety. The information will be disseminated throughout the State of Georgia to school age kids through instructional classes coordinated by the CHAMPS Program.
SPALDING COUNTY On May 30th, at the Griffin Gun Club in Spalding County, Sgt. Ramsey, Cpl. Waddell and RFC Sweat assisted with a JAKES Day event for kids. The Rangers setup the laser shot and fishing simulator to allow the kids to experience hunting and fishing. All 25 that attended had a great time and really enjoyed the interactive hunting and fishing experience.
HARRIS COUNTY On June 6th, RFC Mitch Oliver and RFC Jeremy Bolen were working a boat patrol on Lake Harding. The two rangers noticed a vessel that was pulling a skier after sunset. RFC Bolen noticed that the skier had been drinking alcohol. After field sobriety exercises, the skier was placed under arrest for skiing under the influence.
PIKE COUNTY On June 6th, Corporal Wanda Roberts organized a Kids Fishing Event with Diastole Farm and Pike County 4-H. Assisting with the event were Sergeant Russ Ramsey, RFC Kevin Godbee, Ranger Adam Jacobs and 4-H volunteers. Twenty-five youth participated in the event with great success.

BUTTS COUNTY On June 6th, at approximately 4:00 pm, while patrolling Jackson Lake, Sgt. Tim Kendrick and RFC Wil Smith watched a ski boat towing a tube with three children. The ski boat headed straight for pontoon boat. The pontoon boat made an evasive turn to the right but the tube struck the pontoon boat. The operator of the ski boat was charged with Reckless Operation.
On June 7th, at approximately 8:30 pm, a fisherman flagged down RFC Wil Smith and RFC Keith Page. He told them there was a plane crashed into Jackson Lake. The Rangers responded and found an Ultralite aircraft had crashed into the Tussahaw creek side of Jackson Lake. The pilot claimed the motor had locked up and he landed into the lake. He was not injured. The accident was turned over to the FAA and NTSB.
JASPER COUNTY On June 7th, at approximately 3:30 pm, RFC Wil Smith and RFC Keith Page received a call from Jasper County 911 in reference to a boat accident on Jackson Lake. The Rangers responded by boat to the scene where the located a 20 year old man with a broken left leg. The victim was treated by Jasper County EMS and then flown to Grady Memorial Hospital by helicopter. No charges were filed.
On June 6th RFC Keith Page was watching several men fish on the Ocmulgee River behind the Jackson Lake Dam. After watching the men for nearly an hour one of the men grabbed a cast net and began throwing it into the river. The man was not only catching shad to fish with, but he also caught several large sunfish and a large crappie. Rather than throwing the 3 game fish back the man kept each fish and placed them in his fish basket. RFC Page charged the man with taking game fish by illegal methods because he observed him catch game fish in his cast net and fail to release them.
On June 7th RFC Keith Page and RFC Wil Smith investigated a boating accident on Jackson Lake. The accident occurred near the Newton County Line close to the large rock wall. A skier who was learning to wake board had fallen while trying to reach his feet. The skier suffered a broken left leg. The victims bone was broken just above his left knee. After the investigation, Page and Smith determined that there was no alcohol involved in this accident and no charges were brought against anyone.
LAMAR COUNTY On June 7th RFC Keith Page found two men fishing in a pond on Sugar hill farms without permission. After receiving multiple complaints in the past of people fishing without permission, RFC Page had been watching all the ponds on Sugar Hill Farms. These two men stated that the landowner had given them permission several years ago. The land owner did not remember giving the two men permission to fish however he wanted RFC Page to issue each man a written warning this time and ask them not to return.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On June 4th, Sgt. Bishop, RFC James, and RFC Roberts responded to call on the Flint River regarding two missing juveniles. The two had left home the night before with a canoe and without the parent's permission. DNR officers searched by boat while GSP conducted an aerial search with a helicopter. The juveniles were found several hours later, approximately two miles above Newton on the Flint River and were transported back to their parents in Dougherty County.
BAKER COUNTY On June 6th, while conducting boating safety operations on the Flint River, RFC Randy Davis arrested a subject for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.
DECATUR COUNTY On June 6th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jeff Phillips responded to a domestic dispute call at Spring Creek landing on highway 84. One subject was charged for consumption of alcoholic beverages at a department operated ramp.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
COFFEE COUNTY On June 7th, Ranger Keith McDonald and RFC Tim Hutto concluded an investigation concerning an alligator skull that they discovered at a residence in a prior alligator kill investigation. This investigation resulted in one subject being charged with possession of alligator parts.
ATKINSON COUNTY On May 27th, RFC Tim Hutto responded to a call from the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office about someone hunting alligators out of season. Upon arrival he found a three-foot long alligator that had been shot and it's tail cut off. The incident is still under investigation.
On June 4th, Sgt. David Nugent was contacted by the Atkinson Sheriff requesting back-up in securing a residence where it was believed that two escaped convicts had fled upon escaping a Clinch County jail. DNR, GSP and S.O. units searched the home and surrounding areas but did not locate the escapees.
APPLING COUNTY On June 6th, Ranger Chase Altman received a call about shots off of a public road. Upon inspection of the individuals Ranger Altman found they were hunting off of a deer kill permit for antlerless deer but had killed an antlered deer and were hunting on a field not on the permit. Ranger Altman explained the violations to the subjects and issued them citations for violation of the deer kill permit.

BULLOCH COUNTY On June 3rd, Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled the Ogeechee River for boating and fishing violations. Several vessels and fishermen were checked and two PFD violations were addressed.
On June 6th, Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled the Ogeechee River in the north Bulloch area and checked eight vessels for creel and equipment violations. Verbal guidance was issued to one vessel owner for improper registration numbers.
SCREVEN COUNTY On June 1st, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely heard a 911 call on the radio requesting help at the scene of a traffic accident on Hwy 301 north of Sylvania. The accident scene was about two miles from the officer's location. The accident involved a tractor-trailer and a farm tractor. The southbound lane of Hwy 301 was blocked. Upon arrival Cpl. McNeely observed a man walking around in the ditch. He was badly injured and bleeding heavily. Cpl. McNeely was able to get the man to his vehicle and called to confirm an ambulance was on the way. After assisting the injured man Cpl. McNeely began directing traffic around the wreck. The accident scene was turned over to GSP for investigation.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On May 31st, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Sgt. William Vickers worked the Savannah River in the Tuckasseeking Landing area. Their efforts resulted in thirty boats and five fishing licenses being checked. These checks resulted in two violations being documented for fishing without a license, three violations being documented for expired registration, two violations being documented for failure to come to idle speed within one hundred feet of a bridge and one violation for operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
On June 5th, Ranger Brandon Pierce checked Savannah and Ogeechee River landings for boating safety. A total of one boat and two fishing licenses were checked. No violations were documented but verbal guidance was given on how to obtain a fishing license.
On June 6th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins conducted a boating safety patrol at Tuckasseeking landing on the Savannah River. A total of six boats were checked.
On June 7th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins conducted a boating safety patrol at Tuckasseeking landing on the Savannah River. A total of ten boats were checked and five fishing licenses. Two violations of operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's and operating a vessel without registration were documented.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
LIBERTY COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Isaac Strickland and Cpl. Cindy Miller boarded shrimp trawlers for opening day of shrimp season. Four boats were boarded. Three of the boats had

violations. Three subjects were cited for not having a commercial fishing license. In addition, one subject was cited for not having a commercial boat license.
GLYNN COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Craig Smith responded to Glynn County in reference to seven subjects being stranded on a sandbar off east beach on St. Simons Island. The sand bar is out of the water at low tide and will cover between the end and the beach as the tide rises, trapping subjects that have walked to the end. All subjects were rescued from the sand bar by Glynn County rescue kayaks. PLEASE BEWARE OF SANDBARS EXTENDING OFF BEACHES. A PERSON CAN BECOME TRAPPED AND THEY WILL BE COVERED WITH OVER 8 FEET OF WATER AND STRONG CURRENTS WITHIN MINUTES.
On June 3rd, RFC Craig Smith and Sgt. Doug Lewis responded to a call from Glynn 911 in reference to a female being abducted at the city dock. The caller stated that the female was put on a shrimp boat that was leaving the dock. RFC Smith and Sgt. Lewis intercepted the vessel under the Lanier Bridge. Once on the vessel, Sgt. Lewis got the female and her small child to the front of the boat and RFC Smith got the male passengers to the back. Once Coast Guard officers arrived to assist, RFC Smith went to the wheelhouse and was able to get a pistol off the captain of the boat. They all returned to the city docks and turned all subjects over to Brunswick P.D. were the incident is under investigation.
On June 4th, Cpl. Chris Hodge responded to a boat accident at the entrance to the East River in Brunswick. United States Coast Guard officials were on the scene of a sunken commercial shrimp vessel and all occupants had been recovered from the water. The F/V Him Roid had struck a dock piling near the Marine Port Terminal. Cpl. Hodge met with the captain of the F/V Him Roid at a local hospital to interview him about the incident. After the interview, Cpl. Hodge determined through field sobriety test that the captain was under the influence. After obtaining consent for a blood sample, the captain was released at the scene pending test results from the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah. The incident remains under investigation and charges are pending.
On June 6th, RFC Mark Carson, Cpl. Jesse Cook, and Ranger Rebekah Fuller participated in the 17th annual Golden Isles Fishing Derby on Jekyll Island. There were 111 kids and 130 adults in attendance. Out of the 111 kids, 62 caught fish. The Coastal Resources Division was a sponsor in this event. They also helped with baiting hooks, cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, and registering the kids.