Field operations weekly report, 2010 July 11-17

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report July 11-17, 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 July 13th, the Cherokee County 911 center received a report of a pontoon boat found abandoned on the water outside of Cushing Park on Lake Allatoona. Several other calls also came in of several missing kayaks from the cabins at Hillhouse Lodge. Sgt. Mike Barr responded by boat, as did the Allatoona Corp of Engineers Rangers Rusty Simmons, Jeremy Preston and Stephen Cain. Upon arrival, the DNR and Corp Rangers learned that there had been 5 cabins burglarized during the night. The burglars had not been able to start the pontoon but made off with 4 kayaks and other items from within the cabins. The Rangers conducted a search of the area and Corp Rangers Stephen Cain and Jeremy Preston located the missing kayaks hidden in the woods at the end of a nearby cove. Other items were also found that matched reported missing items from the cabins. DNR Ranger Mike Barr and Corp Ranger Rusty Simmons secured the scene and assisted Cherokee Co SO Detectives with collecting evidence of the burglaries. If you have any information on the persons involved in the cabin break-ins and stolen boats, please contact the Cherokee Co Sheriff's Office at (678) 493-4100 or DNR Law Enforcement at 1-800-241-4113.
On July 16th, Cpl Chip Cox received a call from Cherokee 911 about another burglary at Hillhouse Lodge on Lake Allatoona. The same 4 kayaks that had been stolen on July 13th had been locked in houses and locked with a chain. Burglars broke into the cabins again and used bolt cutters to free the kayaks. Cpl. Chip Cox and RFC Brooks Varnell reviewed the scene but could not locate any kayaks hidden in the area. If you have any information on the above burglaries and thefts, please contact DNR at 1-800-241-4113 or the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at (678) 493-4100.
On July 13th 15th, RFC Bart Hendrix attended specialized training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth on the operation of DNR's new Side Scan Sonar Unit. The underwater sonar unit gives a high definition reading of items located at multiple depths under water in lake and river environments. The equipment will be utilized by DNR on body and article recoveries throughout north Georgia. Ranger Hendrix was impressed with the quality and capabilities of this important piece of public safety equipment.
FANNIN COUNTY On July 12th, RFC Cody Jones responded to a complaint from a Fannin County Sheriff's Deputy of a bear that had been shot and killed in the Aska Road area. After investigating the incident, RFC Jones arrested a Fannin County man for hunting bear out of season, taking of sow bear with cubs, and possession of firearm by convicted felon.

MURRAY COUNTY On July 17th, Sgt. John VanLandingham, Cpl. James Keener, RFC Eddie Tompkins, and RFC Cody Jones conducted a wildlife checkpoint on Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. Rangers issued three citations for Violation of the Georgia Open Container Law, two citations for driving while unlicensed, and one citation for Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
FORSYTH COUNTY On July 10th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Eric Isom responded to a boating accident at Tidwell Park. A female subject had caught her leg in the rope used to tow the tube. She was transported to Northside Forsyth Hospital in Cumming. The incident is still under investigation.
Later that evening Sgt. Brown and RFC Isom stopped a PWC for towing without an observer and not wearing the lanyard (cut-off switch.) Once along side the rangers could smell the odor of alcohol. The operator was screened and arrested for boating under the influence, towing without an observer on a PWC and not wearing the lanyard.
RABUN COUNTY On July 10th at 3:40 PM, Sgt. Steve Seitz and Cpl. Derek Dillard were patrolling Lake Burton when they spotted a person riding on the gunwale of a pontoon boat carrying 9 people. The officers stopped the vessel and conducted a safety check, which revealed the vessel only had 6 personal floatation devices (PFD) on board. The officers also noticed alcohol on the vessel and the operator appeared to be impaired. Cpl. Dillard performed a series of field sobriety exercises on the operator and he failed them. The operator was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence, operating a vessel with insufficient number of PFD's (3 short), and was issued a warning for allowing a person to ride the gunwale. The operator refused to take the state administered chemical test of his breath.
On July 10th at 9:20 PM, Sgt. Steve Seitz and Cpl. Derek Dillard were patrolling Lake Burton when they spotted a vessel being operated without a stern light. The officers stopped the vessel and conducted a safety check, which revealed the vessel was not registered, did not have a stern light on board and had an insufficient number of personal floatation devices. The officers also detected an odor of alcohol on the vessel and the operator appeared to be impaired. Cpl. Dillard performed a series of field sobriety exercises on the operator and he failed them. The operator was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence, operating a vessel with improper lights and was issued a warning for the registration since it was not his vessel. The operator refused to take the state administered chemical test of his breath.

HALL COUNTY On July 10th, RFC Mitchell Crump and RFC Mark Stephens stopped a vessel for operating with improper lights, on Lake Lanier. The operator was then screened and arrested for boating under the influence
On July 11th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC's Isom, Stephens and Crump responded to a possible suicide call on the west end of Lake Lanier Islands in the mouth of Shoal Creek. The Hall County Fire/Rescue boat and the Forsyth County Sheriff's boat were the first on the scene. When the Rangers arrived they were advised that a female subject had jumped into the lake and not returned to the surface. Hall County divers started the search for her. Sgt. Brown and RFC Stephens were talking with the operator of the boat and the victim's three-year-old child. The operator of the boat was arrested for BUI, child endangerment and littering. The Hall County divers recovered the victim and the three year old was released to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
On July 17th, Cpl Roberson and Sgt. Lee Brown were patrolling in the Shoal Creek area of Lake Lanier when they came in contact with a subject who was operating a vessel under the influence. The subject failed field sobriety and was placed under arrest for BUI. His Intoxilyzer results were .169grams.
On July 17th, RFC Mitchell Crump stopped a PWC for jumping the wake of another boat in the Shoal Creek area on Lake Lanier. The operator failed the field sobriety exercises and was arrested for boating under the influence.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On July 12th, Cpl. Eric Sanders received a call from a deer hunter that he had located what appeared to be marijuana on his hunting property. Cpl. Sanders met with the hunter and found 10 marijuana plants. Cpl. Sanders notified the Rockdale County Sheriff. The sheriff asked Cpl. Sanders to pull the plants and make contact with one of his Investigators.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WALTON COUNTY On July 16th, Ranger Nikki Spencer, received a complaint of fishing w/o permission on Briscoe Reservoir. She arrived and found a truck with no one around. After being unable to locate anyone late that night she left. The next day she located the vehicle, and after interviews and witness statements she charged three subjects with fishing without permission.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BUTTS COUNTY On July 11th, RFC Wil Smith received a call from Butts County 911 requesting assistance in locating a large party at Jackson Lake. Using the information provided, Smith was able to direct deputies to the desired location; Smith responded with the deputies and upon the officers' arrival they found a large party with many underage subjects drinking alcohol. As RFC Smith went around the house he saw several subjects getting into a boat. He yelled, telling them to stop, but the operator accelerated and fled in the boat. After RFC Smith obtained the identity of the operator and the passengers he and several deputies went to two different residences and confronted the subjects. The operator was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude and operating a vessel within 100 feet of an object above idle speed.
On July 11th, RFC Wil Smith received information of a manhunt in progress along the Ocmulgee River in regards to a subject who had assaulted a Georgia State Patrol Trooper. Smith responded and assisted county deputies and troopers with the manhunt.
CRAWFORD COUNTY On the afternoon of July 11th, Cpl. John Harkins and Sgt. Tony Fox checked a tract of private property adjacent to the Flint River in regards to ongoing problems related to criminal trespass and fishing without permission. The officers located two vehicles near the river and upon investigation observed three subjects standing in the water near a sandbar. As officers watched, the subjects, who were drinking beer, threw their empty cans either into the river or up onto the bank. The subjects then exited the river and began walking to their respective vehicles whereupon officers confronted them regarding littering of the river. The subjects were issued citations and released.
MONROE COUNTY On July 11th, while patrolling boat ramps on the Ocmulgee River, Sgt. Tim Kendrick and RFC Wil Smith saw three jet skis and three boats traveling south. Six people, none of whom were wearing lifejackets, occupied two of the jet skis. The Rangers went to the Juliette boat ramp and waited on the subjects. Upon their arrival the three boats and three jet skis were inspected officers found only two lifejackets for sixteen people. Five of the operators were charged with operating a vessel without life jackets and warned for violating the 100 foot law.

SPALDING COUNTY On the morning of July 11th, Sgt. Brent Railey and RFC Travis Sweat responded to a call regarding a boat that had been abandoned off Dutchman Road. After locating the vessel the two Rangers towed it to the Spalding County Sheriff's Office impound lot. Upon investigation by RFC Sweat the vessel was found to be stolen but not registered in the new owner's name; the new owner had never changed the registration information before it was stolen from his yard. Despite this, and after a thorough investigation, RFC Sweat and RFC Brooks Varnell from Region I were able to make contact with the owner in order to notify him that his vessel had been recovered. The boat was then turned over to the Spalding County Sheriff's Office pending further investigation.
TWIGGS COUNTY On the afternoon of July 11th Cpl. Robert Stillwell observed a car on I-16 being operated in a reckless manner; the vehicle fit the description of one that the Sheriff's Office had earlier issued a look-out for regarding reckless driving. After notifying the Sheriff's Office of his location Stillwell conducted a stop of the vehicle. The Ranger found the car to be occupied by two fourteen year olds. Further investigation revealed the juveniles, who were residents of another state, had stolen the vehicle from one of their parents earlier that day and were on their way to Florida at the time of the stop. The vehicle and the juveniles were turned over to the custody of the sheriff's office.
LAKE JACKSON On the night of July 17th Cpl. Susan Morris and Cpl. Tony Wynne were on routine patrol of Jackson Lake when they observed a boat entering a no wake zone faster than idle speed; officers also noted the boat had no bow light. Upon stopping the boat, occupied by five adults and five children, the officers detected a strong odor of alcohol. All of the adults appeared to be drinking beer and the operator admitted to drinking "a couple". The operator was screened for sobriety and, having failed the exercises, was subsequently arrested. He was transported to the county jail and charged with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, child endangerment, operating a vessel at night with improper lights, and failure to obey a regulatory maker.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SEMINOLE COUNTY On July 13th, RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a boat incident on Lake Seminole. The incident occurred when one of the pontoons on a houseboat filled with water and capsized the vessel. No violations were detected and all four occupants had been safely removed.
SUMTER COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Clint Martin received a call in reference to a boating incident on Lake Blackshear. A 28 year-old male with three passengers on-board his vessel was attempting to tow a 35 year-old male on a wake board just east of Pecan Slough. The man on the wake board fell off and fractured his femur. No charges were filed.

DOUGHERTY COUNTY On July 11th, Cpl. Scott Carroll and RFC Al Greer were working on the Flint River below Albany. As the officers approached three people snorkeling near an anchored vessel, they noticed a large fish tied to the side of the boat. Upon closer inspection the officers noticed that the fish was a large striped bass, and that the fish had been killed with a spear gun. One person admitted to shooting the fish and was charged with taking game fish by illegal methods, fishing without a license and fishing out of season.
LEE COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Ben Roberts and RFC Randy James were working on Lake Worth when they were notified about a sinking boat on the Kinchafoonee Creek. When they arrived at the scene the officers found out that a passing boater had helped three people out of the creek as their small jon boat was sinking. The boat was recovered and no one was injured.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Barry Britt responded to a complaint of teenagers possibly floating down the Ocmulgee River from Hinson's landing without life jackets. RFC Britt checked the landing and found the teenagers had not yet put on the river. They were loitering at a secluded area near the landing. One 18 year old male was charged with possession of alcohol by a under age person. Two 16-year-old females that were with group were released to parents after being notified by RFC Britt. A cooler full of alcoholic beverages was voluntarily disposed of at a nearby dumpster by underage members of the group.
TELFAIR COUNTY On July 17th, Cpl Johnny Ashe and RFC Rodney Horne responded to a call of a possible subject operating a vessel while intoxicated. After arriving at the Jacksonville Landing the subject was located and had hidden the vessel he was operating. Several boating violations were addressed as well as littering issues within the group. One other Hispanic male was arrested for fishing without a license and one 18-year-old male was turned over to his parents at the Telfair County jail for underage possession of alcohol.
BULLOCH COUNTY On July 14th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked fishing and boating activity along the Ogeechee River. Eight fishing licenses were checked along with five boats. One violation was written for possession of an illegal size fish.
EVANS COUNTY On July 18th, RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled the Evans Public Fishing Area. Approximately 15 licenses were checked along with 4 boats. There were 3 violations written for fishing on a PFA without a WMA license and verbal guidance was given for possession of grass carp.

On July 5th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked fishing along the Canoochee River. Several licenses were checked and one violation was documented for fishing without license.
On July 7th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked the activity on the Public Fishing Area. Violations were documented for fishing on a PFA without a WMA license.
LANIER COUNTY On July 18th, RFC Tim Hutto checked areas along the Alapaha River for boating and fishing violations. Several fishermen were checked and one citation was issued for fishing without a license.
On July 16th, just after midnight, RFC Keith McDonald was dispatched to the Alapaha River concerning an alleged suicide by drowning. He utilized body recovery devices and side-scan sonar during the search. No victim was detected. At approx. 7 am the missing female was located wandering in a wooded area and transported for psychiatric evaluations.
Later that same day, McDonald, Sgt. David Nugent and RFC Jason Shipes were dispatched to the Alapaha River regarding a report of a drowning victim floating in the river. After a thorough search, no victim was detected.
RICHMOND COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 (Gauge) performed a K9 demonstration at the Boatwright Foundation Kids Day and Parade in Augusta. K9 (Gauge) was used to locate hidden wildlife for approximately seventy-five children and thirty-five adults.
APPLING COUNTY On June 16th, RFC Chase Altman responded to a vehicle accident that resulted in a SUV running off into a pond. As RFC Altman arrived at the scene, the person driving the SUV was able to climb out of the window as the SUV sunk to the bottom of the pond. No one was injured as a result.
On June 17th, RFC Chase Altman, Sergeant David Reckley, and Corporal Jimmy Williams conducted a boating safety patrol at Lake Mayers. One violation was documented for towing a skier on a PWC without an observer.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On July 4th, Ranger Jack Thain and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the Belfast/Isle of Wight/Sunbury areas, checking over 20 boaters.
On July 4th, Sgt Shelton and Cpl Scott patrolled the Ogeechee River checking approximately 20 boaters and making one arrest for boating under the influence of alcohol.

CAMDEN COUNTY On July 10th, Cpl Chris Hodge and Cpl Billy Reed attended a hunting club meeting at the Raulerson Hunting Club Camp in Camden County. Officers met with club members to discuss the upcoming hunting season and answer questions about legislative changes. Officers also distributed regulation books and discussed complaints from the previous hunting season.
GLYNN COUNTY On July 4th, RFC Mark Carson and Cpl Ron Harris patrolled the salt waters of Glynn County. The rangers check numerous boats and issued written warnings and verbal guidance to boaters that were violating the law. The rangers also worked the fireworks display at St Simons Island.
On July 6th, RFC Mark Carson assisted the United States Coast Guard with a shrimp boat sinking at the Brunswick City Docks. The Coast Guard and Brunswick City Code Enforcement are investigating the incident.
On July 10th, Cpl. Ron Harris and Cpl. Chris Ridley received a call of a person attempting to commit suicide by jumping off of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The two officers went to the scene, but shortly before their arrival the Glynn County Police Department took the subject into custody.
LIBERTY COUNTY On July 5th, Ranger Jack Thain and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the North Newport River and St. Catherine's Sound area, checking several fishermen.