Field operations weekly report, 2010 May 30-June 5

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 30-June 5, 2010
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 23rd, RFC Bart Hendrix received a call about a person suspected of poaching deer at a private lake off Darby Road in Waleska. RFC Hendrix arrived and met with a fisherman, his girlfriend, and young child. They stated that while fishing, they heard shots across the lake and had several bullets hit around them. They also saw a wounded deer running. The man got his girlfriend and child behind his truck and went to find out who was shooting. He encountered an intoxicated person, who had a rifle, and when confronted, the poacher pointed the rifle at the man. RFC Hendrix was able to confirm the information, locate the residence of the suspected poacher, and with the assistance of the Cherokee County SO, the suspected poacher was positively identified in a police lineup. RFC Hendrix and a Cherokee Co Detective took out warrants on June 2nd and charged the person with `hunting out of season", "hunting without permission", and "aggravated assault" for pointing a dangerous weapon.
COBB COUNTY On June 3rd, Sgt. Mike Barr and RFC Byron Young responded by boat to a report of a missing swimmer at Proctor Beach on Lake Allatoona in Cobb County. The Cobb County Police, dive team, and EMS were already on the scene. Sgt. Barr spoke with family members who stated that the missing swimmer was within the swimming area and was last seen standing in the water near the swimming barrier. RFC Byron Young utilized DNR's side scans sonar to view objects underwater and located an object near the swimming barrier. The object was marked and the Cobb County dive team was notified of the exact location. The Cobb County dive team was then able to recover the body in approximately six feet of water.
GILMER COUNTY On May 31st, Sgt. John VanLandingham and Cpl. Casey Jones issued three citations for fishing without license, and four warnings for boating violations while patrolling Carters Lake. One fisherman was arrested for fishing without license after it was discovered that he had multiple identifications, under different names, on his person.
PICKENS COUNTY On June 3rd, 4th, and 5th the Pickens County Sportsmen Club and the Department of Natural Resources hosted their annual kids, seniors, and handicap trout fishing event on Long Swamp Creek.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On May 30th, Cpl. Casey Jones and Sgt. John VanLandingham issued a Whitfield County man a citation for fishing without a license.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
FORSYTH COUNTY On May 31ST, Cpl. Jason Roberson was patrolling Lake Lanier. During a vessel check Cpl. Roberson observed that the operator was showing signs of being impaired. After further evaluation the subject was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Forsyth County Jail.
On this same day Cpl. Roberson was called to the Cocktail Cove area of Lake Lanier to investigate a boating incident. Once on the scene it was determined that a subject was injured from riding a tube. This incident is still under investigation.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On June 4th, Cpl. Eric Sanders participated in the Conyers Old Navy's "Kid's Safety Week." Cpl. Sanders talked with kids that were in the store about boating and water safety. He also had PFD's for the kids to try on to demonstrate the proper way to wear a PFD and the importance of having the proper size PFD.
RABUN COUNTY On June 5th just after 11:00 p.m. Corporal Derek Dillard responded to a boat accident on Lake Rabun. A vessel had struck the Dike in the Lower Basin at a high rate of speed. The Operator received chest and head injuries from the impact and was transported to the Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton for treatment and the passenger refused any treatment. Alcohol was involved and charges will be pending upon further investigation. Furthermore, several witnesses stated that they saw and heard the vessel just before impact and they said that it had no lights on.
On June 6th RFC Chad Chambers conducted a Boating Safety Class on Lake Rabun with the assistance of the Lake Rabun Association with the use of their facility and hospitality where they fed lunch to the students. It was very successful with over 40 students and some of there parents taking the class.
FANNIN COUNTY On June 6th RFC Anne Alexander, RFC Kevin Dyer, Cpl. Casey Jones, Sgt. Steve Seitz, and Wildlife Tech. Eric Wood participated in conducting a hunter and fishing development program at Rock Creek where over 700 people attended. They had the fishing simulator, archery equipment, and BB guns present for all the visitors to enjoy and become familiar with.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On Wednesday June 2nd, RFC Nick Jenkins, Wildlife Tech. Kevin Von Seggeren, and Sgt. Brian Carter responded to a complaint of an alligator in Oglethorpe County. The alligator was found alive on the side of a dirt road in Oglethorpe County. The Alligator had come from an alligator farm, which had been shut down years earlier. The owners believed all the alligators had been removed, but this one was found and had escaped the fenced area where they were kept. The alligator was captured and removed by the rangers.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On June 5th, Rfc Leroy Ficklin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins cited one subject for reckless operation of a PWC in Keg Creek on Clarks Hill Lake.
On June 5th, Rfc Leroy Ficklin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins cited one subject for failure to obey a regulatory marker near Petersburg Campground in Keg Creek.
PUTNAM COUNTY / LAKE OCONEE On Sunday June 6th, Sgt. Matt Garthright and RFC Richard Tanner were patrolling Lake Oconee by boat near Lawrence Shoals beach area. The two rangers observed a male fishing from the bank. Upon turning toward the individual the subject started walking away from the rangers. RFC Tanner got out on the bank while Sgt. Garthright watched the individual as he walked toward the beach house, fenced in area. When RFC Tanner started towards the beach house, Sgt. Garthright observed the individual run around the beach house and jump over the fence. Sgt. Garthright and RFC Tanner called for assistance from Putnam County Sheriff's Office, because the subject had been spotted by the gatekeepers running down the road past the gate. Sgt. Garthright caught a ride from the male gatekeeper while Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy entered the other end of the road. The male subject was apprehended about three miles from the gate, pouring sweet off him. He was arrested for failure to allow inspection and fishing without a license.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On May 30th, RFC Josh Copelan and Cpl. Bill Goodson arrested one boater for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. The operator was transported to the Baldwin county jail for processing for BUI.

BIBB COUNTY On the evening of June 5th, RFC Tim Butler was patrolling Lake Tobesofkee when he observed a vessel being operated without the required white, stern light. Upon stopping the vessel and speaking with the operator officer Butler detected the strong odor of alcohol about the operator's person. Further investigation led Butler to believe the operator was under the influence of alcohol and, subsequently, he was placed into custody. The operator was transported to the county jail for evidential testing, after which he was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
BUTTS COUNTY On May 30th, Sgt. Tim Kendrick and RFC Wil Smith, while watching the Ocmulgee River from the Jackson Lake Dam, spotted four individuals fishing from the GA Power fishing pier. Smith and RFC Keith Page approached the subjects and found one to be fishing without a license. He was issued a citation for the infraction.
JASPER COUNTY On May 31st, RFC Wil Smith and RFC Billy Bryant were patrolling Jackson Lake for fishing activity and boating safety concerns. At around midnight the Rangers noticed a vessel operating up the lake displaying docking lights. The Rangers stopped the vessel and explained the violation to the operator. Officers then noticed the operator had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his person. RFC Bryant then administered field sobriety exercises and determined he was under the influence of alcohol. The operator of the vessel was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and operating a vessel with improper lights.
On May 31st, while on patrol on Jackson Lake, RFC Wil Smith and Sgt. Tim Kendrick saw a PWC occupied by two males operating in a reckless manner. The operator drove the PWC towards a dock with people on it and swerved at the last minute, splashing the people. The operator was issued a citation for reckless operation of a vessel.
On May 31st, while on patrol on Jackson Lake, RFC Wil Smith and Sgt. Tim Kendrick observed a PWC towing a tube with a juvenile onboard within 100 foot of a dock. They stopped the vessel and spoke to the operator. While speaking with the operator, a pontoon boat drove between the Rangers' vessel and a dock at normal speed. The boat was approximately 25 feet from a dock and 25 feet from the tube. The Rangers stopped the pontoon boat and the operator was issued a citation for operating a vessel above idle speed within 100 feet of an object in the water.
LAKE JACKSON On June 5th, Corporal Tony Wynne and Sergeant Tim Kendrick boat patrolled Lake Jackson for boating violations. Violations noted were one failure to obey a regulatory marker, one operating vessel with insufficient personal flotation devices (PFDs), one towing children on tube without an observer or a mirror, and three fishing without a fishing license.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
BROOKS COUNTY On May 31st, RFC Jon Penuel and Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey patrolled several areas along the Little River for boating and fishing activity. During the patrol, four separate boat operators were charged with operating a vessel without personal flotation devices.
SEMINOLE COUNTY On May 30th, at approximately 9:30 P.M., RFC Jeff Phillips stopped a vessel on Lake Seminole for operating without bow lights displayed. The operator of the vessel was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested. The operator was charged with operating a vessel without lights, operating a vessel under the influence and two counts of child endangerment.
CRISP COUNTY On May 30th, Sgt. Wade Law observed an intoxicated subject at a boat landing on Georgia Veterans State Park. The subject was about to leave the area in his vehicle. Sgt. Law advised the subject not to drive the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the intoxicated subject was seen driving through the State Park. The subject was stopped and arrested for driving under the influence.
On May 30th, Sgt Wade Law and RFC Clint Martin observed a subject on a PWC traveling at a high rate of speed inside a "No Wake/Idle Speed Zone" on Lake Blackshear. After talking with the subject about the violation, the officers detected that the man was intoxicated. After field sobriety exercises were performed, the subject was charged with failure to obey regulatory marker and operating a vessel under the influence.
On June 4th, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence stopped a boat on Lake Blackshear for operating at night w/o lights. After the stop, it was determined that the operator was impaired. Charges for operating a vessel under the influence and operating w/o lights were made.
MACON COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Harold Hill and Cpl. Tommy Lawrence received a call about a sinking vessel on the Flint River. The officers were advised that the operator of the vessel was extremely intoxicated. It was also reported that the subject had a gun and was making threats. Upon arriving on the incident scene, RFC Hill and Cpl. Lawrence located the subject in a half submerged boat. After talking with the subject, RFC Hill and Cpl. Lawrence transported the man to the nearest landing where EMS was waiting. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment. Charges are pending.

On May 29th, Cpl John Harkins and RFC Jon Penuel made a vessel stop on the Flint River. The operator was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. The subject was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BULLOCH COUNTY On Sunday May 30th, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Cpl. Dave Sims patrolled the Ogeechee River from Dasher's Landing to Steel Bridge. A total of 32 boats and 35 licenses were checked. Two violations for fishing without a license and two violations for operating a vessel without PFDs were documented.
On June 4th, RFC Debbie Brannen responded to a complaint in reference to someone having a pet alligator in a pen. RFC Brannen and Bulloch animal control seized the alligator and one violation was written for holding a game animal without a permit. The alligator was released into the wild unharmed.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Brandon Pierce conducted a boating safety and fishing activity patrol on the Savannah River. A total of twenty boats and fourteen fishing licenses were inspected. As a result of the inspection two violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a vessel without registration on board and operating a vessel without a throwable device. Later that evening, he patrolled river landings along the Ogeechee River. A total of two boats and two fishing licenses were checked with no violations being documented. Verbal guidance was given on how to obtain a registration and the boating laws of Georgia.
On June 6th, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled river landings along both the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. A total of ten boats and two fishing licenses were checked. This resulted in one violation being documented consisting of operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's (personal flotation device). Verbal guidance was given on the laws and regulations of fishing.
On the evening of June 7th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Scott Lewis with the Effingham County Sheriff's Office responded to a call from the Sheriff's Office in reference to a boat the was stranded due to mechanical problems. The subjects were hanging onto a willow tree along the side of the river. The officers located the subjects and towed them to the nearest landing and then gave them a ride to their vehicle. Subjects were unharmed and went on their way. No violations were documented.

SCREVEN COUNTY On Saturday, June 5th Sgt. William Vickers responded to Poor Robin Landing on the Savannah River about a report of a subject clinging to the hull of an overturned boat. Before arriving, Screven 911 informed Sgt. Vickers that the subject had been rescued and was intoxicated. Upon Sgt. Vickers arrival he met the operator and his rescuers as they returned to the landing. After receiving an account of the incident from the operator and his rescuers Sgt. Vickers administered a series of field sobriety test to the boater. He was arrested and transported to the Screven County Sheriff's Office for further testing. After conducting the state test for intoxication he was charged with boating under the influence.
CHARLTON COUNTY On June 5th, Cpl. Damon Winters assisted Charlton County Sheriff's Office with a missing child call. The family of the child was camping on the Florida side of the St. Mary's River. They noticed the three year-old missing and called 911. After a short search by first responders, the child's body was located in the river a short distance from the camp.
APPLING COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Chase Altman and RFC Clint Jarriel conducted a safety detail escorting 25 canoes down river on the Altamaha River from Deens Landing to Davis Landing. That evening, RFC Chase Altman, RFC Clint Jarriel, and Corporal Jon Barnard patrolled the Altamaha River from Deens Landing to the US #1 Bridge, back up to Greys Landing. One citation was issued for operating a vessel w/o life jackets.
On the evening of the 6th, RFC Chase Altman, RFC Clint Jarriel, and Corporal Jon Barnard conducted a high visibility patrol at Lake Mayers. Later they patrolled the Altamaha River from Deens Landing to Greys Landing
COFFEE COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Hilton conducted boating safety checks on the Ocmulgee River at Coffee County Landing and Barr's Bluff Landing. These safety checks resulted in several verbal guidance warnings for no fire extinguishers and fishing without a license on person. Also on the 5th, RFC Hilton conducted patrols for fishing activity on the Willacoochee and Satilla Rivers. This resulted in one verbal guidance warning of fishing without a license.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)