Field operations weekly report, 2012 May 27-June 2

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 27-June 2, 2012
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 May 27th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Byron Young were patrolling around the Etowah River by truck when they heard a call for assistance over the radio from DNR RFC Bart Hendrix. RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC Brooks Varnell had stopped a boat after dark because the boat was not displaying proper navigational lights. The Rangers discovered that the operator might be too impaired to safely operate a boat. While checking the operator with field sobriety exercises, he stood up and in one motion took off his life jacket and jumped out of the DNR boat and into the water. The Rangers already had his ID and yelled to him to return and even tried to throw him a life jacket. He swam under a dock. RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" ordered him to come out and he again swam across a cove. The Rangers could tell he was getting tired and concerned for his safety; RFC Varnell dove into the water. The man was finally apprehended near a dock with the assistance of RFC Hendrix standing on the dock. The operator was sent to the hospital to be checked where he revealed he had just smoked "spice", synthetic marijuana. The man was cleared for any medical problems and arrested and transported to the Bartow County Jail. He was charged with navigational light violations, boating under the influence, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
On May 28th, Cpl. Byron Young responded with Bartow County deputies to a call of a missing female last seen swimming in the Illinois Creek area of Allatoona Lake the previous day. Cpl. Young and County officers interviewed witnesses and searched the area and located the missing female at Harbor Town Marina in Cherokee County. The female had gotten separated from her party in the busy cove, and spent the night on another vessel at Harbor Town Marina.
On May 28th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix patrolled the Etowah River below Allatoona Dam. The officers checked 41 tubes and 19 vessels in 3 hour of patrol. The officers issued 6 citations and gave verbal guidance to over 30 tubers for operating a vessel without life jackets.
On May 28th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix responded to a stranded boater in the area of Park Marina of Allatoona Lake. The stranded boater attempted to flag down boaters for over an hour with no success. As the Rangers approached the stranded boater's area and friend of the boater arrived and assisted the boater to the boat ramp at Red Top Mountain State Park.
On May 28th, Ranger Zack Hardy and Sgt. Mike Barr discovered a large woods fire near Allatoona Yacht Club. The Ranger guided the Bartow Fire Units into the area by radio. Also that day, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix assisted Bartow County with a second out of control fire in a campground.
On May 28th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy were patrolling Illinois Creek when they encountered an overloaded vessel taking on water. The operator thought that the plug had come out of the boat. The Rangers attempted to assist the boat but it quickly

filled up with water. The Ranger help guide the boat into a shallow cove as the boat was completely consumed by water. Friends and a tow service were contacted to assist getting the boat out of the lake. On June 2nd, Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy received information from Bartow County 911 that two people were in distress in the water near the Navy Recreational Area. The Rangers responded by boat and found a frantic scene. Several people had rented a boat and tube for skiing. Witnesses stated that a 28 year old man had come off of a ski tube and was not wearing a life jacket. The operator dove into the water to help and also became distressed. A witness from another boat was able to assist the operator but not the skier. Emergency response crews assisted from Bartow County Fire and EMA, the Corp of Engineers, the Bartow County Sheriff's Office, and DNR Rangers. DNR Rangers searched under water using a side scan sonar system. The man's body was recovered on June 4th by DNR Cpl. Lee Burns and RFC Chad Cox. Rangers assisting were Captain Johnny Johnson, Cpl. Chip Cox, and RFC Bart Hendrix.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Lee Burns received a complaint from Cpl. Chip Cox in reference to a domestic disturbance involving shots fired between two vessels on Allatoona Lake within the Glade Marina Area. Cpl. Burns immediately responded and was backed up by RFC Barton Hendrix and Ranger Zackary Hardy. The three rangers interviewed the victims and found they had been in a fight and suffered the worst end. The four young men were very intoxicated, but were able to give the rangers a description of the vessel that fled the

scene. Cpl. Burns contacted Sgt. Barr with a description of the vessel. Sgt. Barr immediately called Cpl. Burns back stating the cigar boat just passed his location heading up Allatoona Creek. The three rangers hurriedly made their way past Sgt. Barr's location and were able to intercept the vessel near Lake Acworth. The operator was questioned about the fight incident and gun shots. No weapon was located; the operator stated the loud pop was the sound of his fist cracking the other guy's nose. Cpl. Burns then conducted a boating safety check on his vessel. The operator could not locate the items on his vessel. Ranger Hardy conducted field sobriety on the operator and found him to be intoxicated. Ranger Hardy placed the operator under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence. Additional charges of assault may be present, pending the victim's desire to pursue charges with the Bartow Sheriff's Office.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On May 27th, DNR was contacted by Cherokee Co 911 regarding a person missing in the water at Galt's Ferry beach. A 38 year old man had drowned while swimming. Investigators met Cpl. Lee Burns and Cpl. Byron Young at Kennestone Hospital. Witnesses stated the man went under and was pulled from the water. Citizens attempted CPR but were unsuccessful. Family revealed that the man's father had also passed away the day before the incident.
FANNIN COUNTY On May 28th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and RFC Cody Jones patrolled Lake Blue Ridge. The officers issued 4 citations and 1 warning for operation without/improper registration, towing a skier on a PWC without an observer, and skiing without a PWC.
On June 2nd, 6 Law Enforcement and 2 Game Management officers from Regions 1 and 2 participated in a kids fishing event at the National Fish Hatchery on Rock Creek. The officers utilized the shooting and fishing simulator and BB guns during the event. Several hundred kids participated and were provided t-shirts and lunch.
On June 2nd, RFC Cody Jones was patrolling Rock Creek when he came upon a fisherman who had 14 trout in his possession. The trout were confiscated and he was issued a citation for possession of over the daily creel limit.
On June 2nd, RFC Cody Jones patrolled Blue Ridge Lake and issued 3 citations and 3 warnings for violations including registration, towing a skier on a PWC without an observer, and violation of the 100 foot rule.
GILMER COUNTY On May 27th Sgt. John VanLandingham and Cpl. Casey Jones issued eight citations and nine warning for various boating safety and fishing violations on Carters Lake. The violations included improper\no registration, insufficient PFD's, towing skier without observer and fishing without a license.
On May 28th, Cpl. James Keener, RFC Joe Hill, and intern Quinn Fogle patrolled Carters Lake by vessel. The officers observed numerous violations and issued citations and

warnings for boating under the influence, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, riding bow/gunwale, unserviceable fire extinguisher, overloaded vessel, and failure to obey regulatory markers. On June 2nd, RFC Joe Hill issued a citation to a person for littering on Hwy 515, after observing the passenger of a vehicle through paper out the window. WHITFIELD COUNTY On May 30th, Sgt. Brian Keener responded to Varnell to assist Whitfield County Sheriff's Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation with a manhunt for a suspect wanted in connection with a double murder. Approximately 60 officers from multiple local and state agencies converged and formed a perimeter where the murder suspect was seen running across a road in a heavily populated area. Door to door searches were conducted through the evening and perimeter patrols were maintained until the suspect was captured in the area the next afternoon. The suspect had been on the run for over a week and was captured over 10 miles from the murder scene.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
HALL COUNTY On May 30th, 2012 Cpl. Adam Loudermilk patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. During the patrol he checked 11 fishing licenses and 8 boats. He issued a citation for registration numbers not being displayed and a warning for operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher. On June 2nd, 2012 Cpl. Jason Roberson patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. He arrested one subject for operating a vessel under the influence. On June 2nd, 2012 Rfc. Eric Isom patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. He arrested one subject for operating a vessel under the influence. On June 2nd, 2012 Sgt. Mike Burgamy patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. He arrested one subject for skiing under the influence.

On June 3rd, 2012 Cpl. Jason Roberson patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. He arrested one subject for operating a vessel under the influence.
On June 3rd, 2012 Rfc. Eric Isom patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. He arrested two subjects for operating a vessel under the influence.
On May 27th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Cpl. Bill Bunch were patrolling Lake Lanier in Sun Set Cove. The rangers observed a subject operating a PWC in violation of the "No Wake" zone. The rangers stopped the PWC and during the stop detected the odor of alcohol. The subject was screened for boating under the influence and was placed under arrest. The subject was arrested for boating under the influence and violation of the "No Wake" zone.
On May 28th, Sgt. Lee Brown and Rfc. Mitchell Crump were patrolling Lake Lanier in the Chestatee River when they observed several individuals fishing. During the check of the fishing licenses it was found that one of the subjects had a Probation Warrant.
RABUN COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Derek Dillard and Rabun County Sheriff's Officer Craig Nelson responded to a boat fire on Lake Rabun in the area just north of the Narrows. The owner of the boat stated that he used four fire extinguishers to put the fire out. No one was injured.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Derek Dillard and Rabun County Sheriff's Officer Craig Nelson received a call from Rabun County 911 that a pontoon boat had been stolen from a boat dock on Lake Burton in the area of Knight Lane. Cpl. Dillard and Deputy Nelson searched the lake and recovered the boat within a couple of hoursThe boat was returned to the owner undamaged.
UNION COUNTY On May 27th, Rfc. Kevin Dyer, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk, Sgt. Steve Seitz and Capt. Mark Padgett assisted the Union County Sheriff's Office by searching for a 18year old male that had drown on Nottely Lake at the TVA boat ramp. The Ranger's utilized DNR's side scan sonar to try to locate the victim and patrolled the cove while Union County Sheriff's Department divers searched the area.
On May 28th, RFC Kevin Dyer, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk, Sgt. Steve Seitz , and RFC Anne Alexander assisted Union County Sheriff's Office by searching for a 18year old male that had drown on Nottely Lake at the TVA boat ramp. The Ranger's utilized DNR's side scan sonar to try to locate the victim and patrolled the cove while GSP divers searched the area. GSP Divers recovered the victim in fifty seven foot of water.
On June 2nd, Sgt. Steve Seitz, Cpl. Jesse Cook, RFC Kevin Dyer, Wildlife Tech Dale Clayton, and Wildlife Tech Frank Manning assisted Rock Creek Federal Fish Hatchery

by working at the annual kids fishing event. The Rangers taught kids firearms safely and the kids shot BB guns.
HART COUNTY On May 27th, RFC Josh Chambers, RFC Tim Vickery, Sgt. Stan Elrod, and Cpl. Craig Fulghum patrolled Lake Hartwell. At approximately 9 p.m., Cpl. Fulghum received a call from a South Carolina DNR Officer that he had just been in a short chase with a jet ski and it ran into Georgia. RFC Vickery and RFC Chambers responded. When Sgt. Elrod and Cpl. Fulghum arrived, the vessel operator was doing field sobriety exercises in RFC Chambers boat. He was placed under arrest for BUI. Cpl. Fulghum and Sgt. Elrod took the Jet Ski to a nearby island where the owner was camping. After securing the vessel and returning to patrol, RFC Chambers called Sgt. Elrod requesting assistance at the boat ramp and stated that the subject under arrest was fighting them. Elrod and Fulghum responded to helped control the combative subject. While at the boat ramp, the subject grabbed RFC Vickery and jumped into the lake with Vickery. RFC Chambers jumped in and swam after the subject. When the subject exited the lake on a small strip of land, Chambers pepper sprayed him. He then jumped back in the lake and tried to swim away again. Elrod and Fulghum were able to pull him into their boat. He was combative the entire time and did not want to surrender. Once back on land, he tried to escape again. When the sheriff's office arrived, Sheriff Mike Cleveland tried to get him up and he swung at him cutting the sheriffs hand with the handcuffs. Finally, he was placed into a patrol car and transported to Hart County Jail. Warrants were taken for aggravated assault on a police officer, felony obstruction, BUI, operating PWC after hours, disorderly conduct, and damaging government property. Bond was set at $44,700. The subject was also on parole.
FRANKLI N COUNTY On May 28th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum and Sgt. Stan Elrod received a call from South Carolina Officer Vince Busha that he needed assistance with a subject that was resisting arrest. When the rangers arrived, two subjects were handcuffed in the boat and one subject was very intoxicated and loud. The Georgia Rangers assisted the South Carolina Officer transport his subjects to a boat ramp to meet a South Carolina deputy.
On June 2nd, RFC Shane Sartor and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled Lake Hartwell. One citation was issued for towing skiers without observer.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Leroy Ficklin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins arrested a subject for boating under the influence on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Brian Hobbins arrested a subject at Wildwood Park for boating under the influence.

On June 3rd, Cpl. Brian Hobbins arrested one subject at Mistletoe State Park. The subject fled from Hobbins during a traffic stop and traveled into the woods at the park. During the chase the subject was throwing marijuana from a bag he obtained from his vehicle. The subject was apprehended after a brief chase. RFC Robert Timmerman and Columbia County Deputies assisted. The subject also had two felony warrants for his arrest out of Atlanta.
BURKE COUNTY On June 2nd, at approximately 10:30 pm, RFC Jeff Billips responded to a stranded boater complaint at Stoney Bluff Landing on the Savannah River. Complainants stated that a man was standing on the South Carolina side of the river yelling for help. RFC Billips contacted South Carolina DNR (SCDNR) officers Larry Manuel and Chip Allen. Georgia State Patrol troopers Chris Calhoun and Derek Jackson assisted RFC Billips with the recovery of the stranded boater. The boater stated that he and his cousin had become stranded after their boat ran out of gas. The boater stated he had left his cousin at the boat somewhere up river. SCDNR officers located the cousin around 1:00 am. The cousin fractured his leg while attempting to walk back to Little Hell Landing by crossing a clear cut. He had drug himself back toward the river when he heard SCDNR searching for him. The cousin had to be flown out by helicopter to receive emergency care. Alcohol and drugs are believed to have played a major part in these two boater's ordeal.
LAKE OCONEE On May 27th, while patrolling Lake Oconee, RFCs Richard Tanner and Freddie Hays noticed a vessel operating without a stern light. After stopping the vessel for the light violation and conducting a safety check of the vessel, the operator appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. After further investigation, the operator was placed under arrest for BUI and was transported to Old Salem Park where he was turned over to a Greene County Sheriff's Deputy for transport.
May 28th, while patrolling Lake Oconee Cpl. David Allen and RFC Freddie Hays issued a citation for towing skier without observer
On Saturday June 2nd, RFC Freddie Hays and Sgt. John Harwell observed four personal watercrafts operating after hours in Lick Creek on Lake Oconee. Each operator was issued a citation for the violation.
On Saturday June 2nd, RFC Freddie Hays and Sgt. John Harwell received a complaint in reference to a vessel on Lake Oconee with a marine toilet. Cpl. David Allen found the vessel and turned it over to RFC Freddie Hays and Sgt. John Harwell. The vessel was escorted back to the boat ramp and was loaded on the trailer. Cpl. David Allen spotted a large 34 foot boat just past RFC Freddie Hays stop. Cpl. Allen advised the operator the vessel could not be on the lake because of the length restrictions and it also had a marine toilet. The vessel was escorted off the water as well. Written warnings were given to both operators.

ELBERT COUNTY On Monday May 28th, Cpl. Julian Wilkins and RFC Mark Patterson were on patrol on Lake Russell. While in route to the state park due to a large thunderstorm approaching, they received a complaint through Elbert County 911, of a stranded boater on the other end of the lake. They loaded the boat and trailered it to another ramp closer to the lower end of the lake. They were able to reach the stranded boat and get it back to Elbert Ramp before the major part of the storm reached them.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BUTTS COUNTY On May 27, while patrolling Lake Jackson, at approximately 10:00 pm, Cpl. Susan Morris and RFC Billy Bryant observed a boat with no bow lights displayed. After stopping the vessel, they saw several people drinking alcohol. They saw empty beer cans and bottles in the boat, as well as a strong odor of alcohol coming from the boat. The operator of the boat admitted to consuming alcohol and agreed to perform some field sobriety exercises. The operator failed the sobriety exercises and was charged with boating under the influence.
HARRIS COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Ranger David Fisher were patrolling at night on Lake Harding. The two officers stopped a boat that evening and while talking with the boat operator they determined that the he had been drinking alcohol. Ranger Fisher administered field sobriety exercises on the operator and determined that the boat operator was under the influence. The boat operator was arrested for BUI and transported to the Harris Co. Jail. On May 28th, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Ranger David Fisher were patrolling on Lake Harding. They noticed a boating violation and pulled the boat over to discuss the issue. While speaking with the operator, Cpl. Bolen determined that the operator had been previously arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. Cpl. Bolen ran the subject's information through the boating privilege database and discovered that his boating privileges were still suspended. The operator was arrested for operating a vessel while privileges were suspended. He was transported to the Harris County jail.
MONROE COUNTY On June 2, RFC Keith Page responded to a call of an overturned vessel on Lake Juliette near the Dames Ferry boat ramp. Once RFC Page arrived he found that a man and his wife we in a small sail boat on Lake Juliette when the wind caused their vessel to capsize. Both the man and the woman were wearing life preservers. When the female subject hit the water she apparently had a panic attack and lost consciousness. The local EMS personnel worked to revive the woman at the scene. She was then rushed to the Macon Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. RFC Page's investigation revealed that the woman died of a heart attack, rather than drowning. DNR CIRT member Cpl. Mitch Oliver assisted RFC Page with his investigation.

MUSCOGEE COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Mitch Oliver, Cpl. Keith Waddell, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen, and Ranger Russell Epps were checking boat landing activity at Lake Oliver marina. Cpl. Bolen noticed a boat pulling up to the dock. After checking the safety equipment on board the boat, Cpl. Bolen noticed that the operator had been drinking alcohol. Cpl. Bolen administered field sobriety exercises and determined the operator to be under the influence of alcohol. The boat operator was arrested and transported to the Muscogee County Jail.
On May 30th, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen presented a boating safety program on live television for a local news channel. The program discussed the events from Memorial Day weekend as well as safety tips and general laws for boating safety.
PUTNAM COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Allen Mills and Sgt. Bo Kelly conducted boat patrol on Lake Sinclair. Several boating infractions were addressed and two people were arrested for possession of marijuana.
On June 2nd, Rangers set up three life jacket (PFD) loaner sites on Lake Sinclair. Sinclair Marina, Twin Bridges Marina and High Grove Marina all now have infant, child and youth life jackets that can be "checked out" like a library book for the weekend. The life jackets were donated by Wal- Mart in Milledgeville.

TROUP COUNTY On the afternoon of June 2nd, Ranger Russell Epps and Corporal Mitch Oliver were patrolling West Point Lake when they observed a vessel drive under a railroad trestle at a high rate of speed, ignoring the no wake buoys on either side. The vessel was pursed for approximately two miles and under another bridge before the vessel decided to stop. When questioned as to why the driver did not slow to idle speed in the no wake zones, he stated he did not know he had to. The driver was cited for failure to obey regulatory markers.
TROUP On 05/27 RFC Kevin Godbee and Cpl. Wanda Roberts were on patrol on West Point Lake when they observed a man on a PWC pulling a tuber without an observer. The Rangers performed a stop of the PWC and it was discovered that the operator was operating under the influence of alcohol. The violator was placed under arrest and taken to the Troup County Jail for processing. The case is still pending in Troup County State Court.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On May 27th, Sgt. Ruddell was at a public ramp on Lake Worth when he heard loud shouts of "Stop" coming from a boat that was approaching the ramp. Through binoculars, the officer could see that two men were standing on opposite gunwales of a boat and violently rocking it back and forth. The shouts were coming from boat's female operator who was having difficulty in maintaining control. Rangers Robbie Griner and Jon Penuel arrived shortly after and charged the two intoxicated men for their actions.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Greg Wade and Ranger Chris Carlisle were patrolling Lake Worth at night when a ski boat came around a bend with docking lights on. As the rangers initiated a vessel stop they could see that the ski boat was also pulling a skier. The operator of the vessel was given verbal guidance concerning the docking lights, and the skier was cited for skiing after hours.
EARLY COUNTY On June 2nd, six rangers responded to a report of a boat incident on the Chattahoochee River in Early County. The incident occurred when the victim was ejected from and then struck by a moving vessel. Officers utilized a Side Scan Sonar to locate the victim, whose body was then recovered by rescue divers. This incident is still under investigation.
CRISP COUNTY On May 28th, RFC Tommy Lawrence and Cpl. Ronnie Beard were patrolling Lake Blackshear when Lawrence observed a boat being operated at night without navigational lights. The boat was stopped and it was determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence and operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
CHARLTON COUNTY On May 30th, several DNR officers conducted educational programs for the Charlton Sheriff's Department's Junior Sheriff's Academy. Cpl. Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool operated the fishing simulator and showcased a patrol vehicle. Sgt. Chris Hodge and RFC David Brady from Region 7 showcased the large "SAFE" boat. RFC Tim Hutto and K-9 "Gauge" performed a K9 demonstration with the assistance of RFC Mark Pool. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted with this event and there were approximately 60 kids in attendance.
CLINCH COUNTY On June 1st, just after dark, SGT Patrick Dupree responded to an in-progress hunting without permission complaint near Big Island on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. The complainant stated that dog hunters had trespassed to retrieve their dogs and their pickup had become stuck in a muddy road near the Okefenokee Refuge boundary earlier during the day. The hunters had located a logging skidder-tractor with the keys in it at a nearby logging operation. The skidder became stuck so the hunters went back to the logging operation and got another skidder-tractor which also became stuck. A local wrecker service was called and also became stuck. A large bulldozer was brought to the scene and was able to retrieve all the stuck equipment just after midnight. SGT Dupree learned that the hunters had permission to enter the property, but did not have permission to use the skidder-tractors. Sgt. Dupree assisted Clinch Sheriff's deputies in gathering the necessary information for possible theft and damage to property charges. The hunters had retrieved their hounds several hours earlier and no game violations were documented.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On the night of June 2nd, Cpl. Barry Britt checked boats on the Altamaha River at the Hwy 221 bridge landing. He charged 3 boat operators with operating a vessel during hours of darkness without navigation lights.
On June 3rd, Cpl. Barry Britt charged a male subject with driving around closed gates on a WMA. The offender was also issued a written warning for illegal use of an ATV on a WMA.
APPLING COUNTY Over the Memorial Day weekend, RFC Chase Altman and RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled the Altamaha River for boating safety violations. Citations and warnings were issued for a number of different violations, including operating a vessel w/o CGA PFD's, allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel w/o a PFD, operating a vessel above idle speed within 100 feet of a bridge, and operating a vessel without registration.

On the nights of June 1st and 2nd, RFC Altman assisted Region VII with checking both commercial vessels and recreational vessels off the coast. Three citations were issued for operating a vessel at night without lights and taking fish under the legal limit.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled the Savannah River for boating safety/fishing activity. It being a free fishing day, a total of eight boats were checked for safety equipment. As a result, three violations consisting of operating a vessel within 100 foot of object/shore above idle speed, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher were documented. The officers also assisted a sinking jet-ski. The jet-ski and the operator were towed to the nearest landing and released safely.
On June 3rd, RFC Brandon Pierce and Jamey O'Brien patrolled the Savannah River for boating safety/fishing activity. A total of fifteen boats and eight fishing licenses were checked. As a result, six violations consisting of operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher, operating a vessel without a throwable device, operating a vessel without registration, and allowing an underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing PFD were documented. The officers also assisted a stranded jet ski with two persons aboard. The jet-ski was towed to the nearest landing, as well as, the two persons. They were released at the landing safely.
On June 4th, RFC Brandon Pierce, RFC Jamey O'Brien, and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled the Savannah River and creeks flowing into it for boating safety/fishing activity. A total of one boat and two fishing licenses were inspected. One violation of fishing without a license was documented.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On May 28th, Cpl. Jay Morgan, Cpl. Phillip Scott, RFC Jack Thain, Ranger Trey Taylor, and Sgt. James Shelton responded to a call for assistance from the Bryan County Sheriff to search for the driver of a car involved in a roll-over accident in a small tidal creek and marsh area. Cpl. Scott and RFC Thain searched the creek by paddling down it in a small boat. Cpl. Morgan assisted a deputy in launching a canoe further down the creek then searched the marsh and tree-line in the area of the accident while Ranger Taylor assisted with the retrieval of the search boats. After approximately four hours, the victim was found lying on the front porch of a nearby house by the homeowner. It is believed that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Trey Taylor patrolled from St. Catherine's Sound to the Ogeechee River area. One boater was cited for operating above idle speed within 100 feet of a dock and another boat operator was cited for operating under the influence in the Intercoastal Waterway. The boating under the influence suspect refused to take a breath test so his boating privileges will be suspended for a minimum period of one year as required by law.

GLYNN COUNTY On May 27th & 28th, Rangers in Glynn County prepared for Tropical Storm Beryl. Throughout the evening and into the early morning hours, the Rangers patrolled St. Simon's and Jekyll Islands and other flood prone areas looking for weather related emergencies.
On June 1st, Cpl. Wil Smith received a call about a subject trapping and killing raccoons with a BB gun on Jekyll Island. Cpl. Smith responded and found the trap. After questioning the subject, Cpl. Smith was led to a wooded area where the subject had disposed of the raccoon. The deceased raccoon was found just feet from a popular bike path and golf course. The subject was cited for Trapping without a License, Trapping out of Season, and for killing the raccoon with a BB gun.
On May 27th, RFC David Brady Sgt. Chris Hodge, and Sgt. Mark Carson were conducting a patrol on St. Simons Island due to the high tourist traffic as Tropical Storm Beryl was approaching offshore. During the patrol, a citizen stopped RFC Brady and advised that a man had stolen her sons' bag off the beach and they believed they had found the man with the bag. RFC Brady, Ranger Jeremy Reese, and RFC John Evans conducted a foot patrol for the suspect and were able to locate the man and the stolen bag. The man was arrested and turned over to the Glynn County Police Department.
On June 2nd, RFC David Brady was checking an area on Jekyll Island where numerous complaints had been received regarding individuals catching over the limit and undersize fish. Around 2 a.m., RFC Brady checked creel and possession limits when he found one subject with two sharks. The man was cited for Possession of over the Limit of Sharks and the sharks were seized.

On June 2nd, RFC David Brady, RFC Chase Altman, and Sgt. Chris Hodge were conducting a night time offshore patrol for illegal fishing activity. Two different boats were stopped for operating without lights, which resulted in citations for Illegal Size fish and Operating without Lights. CAMDEN COUNTY On May 27th & 28th, Rangers in Camden County patrolled the St. Mary's waterfront and assisted the Camden County Sheriff's Office and St. Mary's Police Department with downed power lines, trees, and street flooding due to Tropical Storm Beryl. Rangers also assisted park personnel with security and patrols on Crooked River State Park during the storm.
WAYNE COUNTY On May 30, 2012 at approximately 6:30 pm RFC Randy Aspinwall responded to a possible drowning call at a private pond in Wayne County. When Aspinwall arrived the victim had been pulled from the pond and EMS was on the scene. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Apparently, three subjects had reportedly been drinking heavily during the day and decided to go for a swim in the pond. A short time later the victim was missed by the other two and they began to search the pond. The body was recovered and EMS was called. On June 2nd Cpl. Bobby White responded to an" in progress" drowning call on the Altamaha River near JC Landing. When he arrived a 7 year old white female had been pulled out of the river unconscious. Paramedics were already on scene. CPR was given but did not work.