Field operations weekly report [July 14-20, 2013]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report July 14-20, 2013
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 Division.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On July 18th, Sgt. Mike Barr, Ranger Zack Hardy, Intern Walker Jardine, and Corp Ranger Randy Flint worked with the Bartow County dive team at Wilderness Camp. They discovered a sunken boat not reported to DNR in the marina area. Shown are members of the Bartow County Fire and Rescue and dive team as they prepare to search 60 feet below the surface for the missing boat. The incident is being reviewed by DNR Law Enforcement.
Shown are divers preparing to search the area around the docks as they dive 60 feet below the surface of the water.

On July 14th, at approximately 2000 hours, Cpl. Lee Burns and Intern Walker Jardine were leaving Little River on Allatoona Lake when a vessel came into the no wake zone and intentionally ran over the idle only buoy. Cpl. Burns immediately stopped the vessel and quickly noticed the operator to be very intoxicated and later arrested him for boating under the influence. Cpl. Byron Young was called to assist with securing the arrested subject's boat, dog, knife and pistol.
GILMER COUNTY On July 12, RFC Joe Hill patrolled Fausett Creek for fishing activity when he walked into a group of seven teenagers and young adults. RFC Hill witnessed a female smoking marijuana from a glass pipe. The female saw RFC Hill as he walked on into the group, and threw the pipe into the creek. RFC Hill noticed a grinder sitting on a large rock, and asked who owned the grinder. The female stated she was smoking marijuana from the grinder and a male said the grinder and remaining marijuana was his. RFC Hill arrested the female for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and littering. The male was arrested for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
On July 14, RFC Joe Hill and RFC Cody Jones were patrolling Turkey Creek for fishing activity. The officers walked into an area of the creek and found three teenagers swimming. One male subject was found to be in possession of a partially filled bottle of vodka and charged for possession of alcohol by an underage person.
On July 19th, Cpl. Casey Jones patrolled Carters Lake. He performed three vessels stops and issued citations for towing a skier after hours, operating a vessel without lights, and one suspect was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
RABUN COUNTY On July 20th, Cpl. Derek Dillard responded to a report of a missing person in Mountain City. Upon his arrival it was learned that the missing person was an 84 year old with moderate to severe dementia. Cpl. Dillard assisted search teams in an attempt to locate the victim. The search was suspended at around 3:00 am. At daylight the search resumed. Captain Thomas Barnard, Cpl. Jesse Cook, RFC Shane Sartor and RFC Brandon Pierce all responded for DNR. Other search teams came from Rabun EMA and Fire/Rescue, Habersham EMA and Fire/Rescue, Stephens County EMA, Towns County Fire/Rescue, Dawson County Fire/Rescue, Georgia Search and Rescue K9, Georgia State Defense Force and the Georgia State Patrol.
The victim was located at approximately 10:30 am by the GSAR K9 unit. He was wet and confused but other than that he was in good health. He was checked out by Rabun EMS and then released to his family.

FORSYTH COUNTY On July 14th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled the Chattahoochee River at Lower Pool for boating and fishing activity. Verbal guidance and written warnings were issued for fishing without a license and fishing without a trout license. Later in the day while checking fishermen on the Chattahoochee River at Hwy 20 the Sgt. Brown and RFC Crump issued a citation to a subject for fishing for trout with unlawful equipment.
On July 20th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Ranger Shane Brown were patrolling Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. The rangers arrested one subject for boating under the influence and issued citations for fishing without a license and allowing an underage child to ride in a boat without wearing a PFD.
On July 20th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Barry Britt were patrolling Lake Lanier for fishing and boating violations. The rangers issued verbal guidance, written warnings and citations for operating a vessel without PFD's, operating a vessel without registration, operating a vessel with improper lights, riding a PWC without wearing a Coast Guard approved PFD, operating a PWC during hours of darkness, operating a vessel with improperly displayed registration, operating a vessel without a Type IV PFD and arrested one subject for boating under the influence.
GWINNETT COUNTY On July 14th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump were patrolling the Chattahoochee River upriver from the Hwy 20 Bridge. Several fishermen were checked. Citations and warnings were issued for fishing without a trout license and fishing for trout with unlawful equipment.
On July 19th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Ranger Shane Brown set up a booth at the Gwinnett Braves Stadium. The rangers answered questions relating to the new boating laws that were passed, fishing and hunting activities. They also passed out materials to the people attending the game such as boating and fishing regulations.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Wildlife Technician III Frank Manning patrolled Chestatee WMA (Dockery Lake, Dick's Creek and Boggs's Creek). The rangers issued a written warning for fishing without license.
MADISON COUNTY On July 15th, RFC Shane Sartor was checking the Broad River for fishing activity, four people were checked with three not having licenses. Three citations were issued for fishing without license and one subject was arrested for two felony drug charges and pills not in original container.

HART COUNTY On July 20th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum and Cpl. Bill Bunch Patrolled Lake Hartwell. Four citations were issued throughout the day for various boating violations including operating an overloaded vessel and children not wearing pfd's in a moving vessel. Two subjects were also cited for fishing without a license.
HALL COUNTY On July 19th, 2013, Corporal Jason Roberson attended the captains meeting for the Pirates of Lake Lanier Poker Run. He gave a safety briefing to approximately 1200 people.
On July 20th, RFC Mark Stephens and RFC Eric Isom were patrolling Lake Lanier by vessel. During the patrol the Rangers stopped several boats for minor infractions and all infractions were document through verbal warnings, written warnings, and citations. They also arrested two subjects for operating a vessel under the influence.
On July 20th, Corporal Jason Roberson and Ranger Kevin Goss arrested two subjects for operating a vessel under the influence in Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier.
On July 20th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and Sgt. Mike Burgamy Patrolled Lake Lanier. During the patrol they issues 10 citations and warnings. One subject was arrested for boating under the influence. They also assisted Hall County Sheriff's office with a fight at a marina.
On Jul 21st, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and Ranger First Class Mark Stephens were patrolling Lake Sidney Lanier near Flowery Branch Creek. At approximately 4:45 p.m. they got a call in reference to a teenager who cut her leg on the prop of a boat near Buford dam. The Officers notified Hall County Fire and Rescue of the incident. Both agencies investigated and treated the individual. The lady was transported to Gwinnett medical Center for treatment.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WILKES COUNTY Cpl. Mark Patterson assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force with the search for illegal marijuana plants on Tuesday July 16.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY Cpl. Julian Wilkins and RFC Phillip Nelson conducted an archery class at Bryan Park on July 16 and 18. There were approximately 65 kids participating. All the kids were allowed to shoot at targets and balloons. The animal skins were also displayed at this event.
Cpl. Julian Wilkins and RFC Phillip Nelson assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force in the search for Marijuana plants on July 16. Several plants were located and two arrests were made in connection with some of the plants.

CLARKE COUNTY RFC Tim Butler set up the Laser Shot hunting simulator at the Classic Center for the Quality Deer Management Association on Friday July 19. This allows someone to choose one of several realistic hunting scenarios and shoot with a laser dot rifle. Cpl. Julian Wilkins set up the laser shot on Saturday July 20 for QDMA.
BURKE COUNTY Wildlife Technician Steve Kyles, RFC Jeff Billips and his son, Paul, presented a reptile program at the Waynesboro and Midville Libraries. The program consisted of live reptiles from the wild and pet trade including an alligator, cottonmouth, rough green snake, Chinese water dragon, bearded dragon and leopard gecko. This program has become an annual event and provides information about reptile natural history as well as nuisance alligator trapping and alligator hunting regulations.
Sergeant Max Boswell and RFC Billips patrolled Burke and Jefferson Counties for boaters and fishermen and checked several fishing without permission complaints. Sergeant Boswell and RFC Billips responded to a capsized vessel emergency on the Ogeechee River in Midville. The couple's vessel capsized in the swollen river and they were left clinging to a fallen tree until the Summertown Fire Department was able to rescue them.
GLASCOCK/WARREN COUNTY Cpl. Brian Hobbins assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force on Wednesday with marijuana eradication.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Cpl. Ryan Swain, Cpl. Micheal Crawley, RFC Bobby Timmerman, and RFC Jeff Billips conducted boat inspections on Saturday at the Thomson Office. Forty eight vessels were inspected.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Bobby Timmerman patrolled Clark's Hill Lake with Judge Padgett from Columbia County.
RFC Bobby Timmerman worked the Georgia Park Tri-Athlon at Mistletoe State Park. The event had over 350 participants.
Sgt. Doyte Chaffin assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force with marijuana eradication on Thursday.
TALIAFERRO COUNTY Cpl. Brian Hobbins assisted the Governor's Task Force on Tuesday with marijuana eradication.

LAKE OCONEE On July 20, Corporal David Allen and RFC Niki Spencer investigated a single vessel boating incident on Lake Oconee. An individual was ejected from a personal watercraft that resulted in the breaking of three ribs and a punctured lung. On July 21, RFC Richard Tanner and RFC Niki Spencer investigated a single vessel boating incident on Lake Oconee. The vessel struck submerged timber. This resulted in significant vessel damage but no injuries.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BUTTS COUNTY Due to milder temperatures this summer, K-9 Drake was able to join RFC Keith Page and Corporal Tony Wynne as they patrolled Jackson Lake on July 19th. The rangers checked several boats, kayaks and canoes for proper safety equipment throughout the evening. K9 drake was able to locate two men fishing on the bank that had parked their truck on the bank of the Tussahaw Creek and walked to a different location upstream to fish.
LAMAR COUNTY On the evening of July 15th, RFC Keith Page received a call from officers of the Lamar County Sheriff's Office requesting the help of his K-9 partner, Drake. Deputies explained to RFC Page that Butts County Deputies had chased a vehicle into Lamar County and that it had wrecked at the intersection of Highways 18 and 341 South. They advised RFC Page that the driver of the fleeing vehicle left the scene of the accident by running into a nearby patch of woods. RFC Page and K-9 Drake responded and searched

the wooded area, but were unable to find the subject. RFC Page and Drake assisted with the search for the subject all night long and at 8:20 am on July 16th, K-9 Drake apprehended the suspect after a five mile foot chase with the subject. The man was later found to have nine outstanding felony warrants. He is also facing felony charges stemming from the chase with Butts County Deputies, as wells as charges from the Georgia State Patrol for causing injuries to innocent people at the scene of the accident.
PUTNAM COUNTY On Friday July 19th, Corporal Lynn Stanford and Ranger Derek Cobb patrolled Lake Sinclair for boating safety. Several boats were stopped for minor violations. One person was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to Putnam County Jail.
TROUP COUNTY On the afternoon of July 20th, Sergeant Jim Bradfield, Corporal Mitch Oliver, Ranger Russell Epps, and Troup County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chad Traylor were on vessel patrol at West Point Lake, and with the assistance of the Department of Natural Resources Aviation Unit they were able to effectively patrol the lake for safety violations. With Corporal Keith Waddell as the aerial observer, numerous boating violations were detected ranging from 100 foot law for personal watercraft, towing skiers without an observer, and regulatory marker violations. Several of the violations encountered during the patrol would not have been detected by traditional patrol tactics.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
TIFT COUNTY On the evening of July 19th, Cpl. Greg Wade was patrolling Paradise PFA for after-hours fishing, when he encountered and cited two subjects fishing without fishing or WMA licenses.
DOOLY COUNTY On July 19th, Sgt. Al Greer and Ranger Chad Hulsey were patrolling the Flint River when they stopped a boat that was being operated without lights. Upon stopping the boat, the Rangers noticed a .243 rifle and a snatch line commonly used to illegally hunt alligators. After a brief interview, it was determined that the individuals were hunting alligators. The two subjects were cited for hunting alligators out of season and for hunting alligators with an illegal weapon. The operator was also cited for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness and warned for operating a vessel with insufficient PFDs.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BEN HILL COUNTY On July 20th, Sgt. David Reckley, Cpl. John A. Stokes, and Cpl. Dan Stiles conducted a HIN inspection site at the Bowen's Mill Fish Hatchery. Twenty one vessels were inspected.

DODGE COUNTY On July 14th, RFC Allen Mills was conducting an area check at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. RFC Mills performed three boating safety inspections and checked seven anglers for license requirements. One violation for fishing without a WMA license on a PFA was documented.
On July 16th, RFC Allen Mills received a call just after midnight from Dodge County 911. An Eastman P.D. officer had stopped a vehicle and noticed a small alligator inside a bucket in the back of a pickup truck. RFC Mills arrived on scene and interviewed the individual in possession of a three foot alligator. After gathering all the facts, RFC Mills confiscated the alligator and a violation for possession of alligator or parts thereof was documented.
CLINCH COUNTY On July 20th, Cpl. Josh Chamber received a complaint of hunting without permission from the Argyle area. Cpl. Chambers arrived and met the landowner at the gate where the violators had been seen entering the property without permission. Corporal Chambers entered the area and located 3 juveniles and one adult who were hunting hogs without permission. The individuals had got their truck stuck inside the property and were trying to catch their dogs. The adult was charged with hunting without a license and issued a warning for hunting without permission. Verbal guidance was given to the juveniles.
ECHOLS COUNTY On July 20th, while on patrol along Tom's Creek, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, RFC Mark Pool and RGR Daniel North encountered an individual fishing without a license. A written warning was issued along with guidance on obtaining proper licenses.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On July19th, Cpl. Jay Morgan assisted the Ft. McAllister State Park rangers with a canoe trip on Redbird Creek for the Kids' Junior Ranger program. He gave a safety talk and assisted by helping any canoeist that overturned.
On evening of July 20th, Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the boat ramps and Richmond Hill WMA. Two persons were cited for fishing without permission at the old Bryan Fisherman's Co-op dock which is now privately owned. Later, he assisted the Bryan County deputies on a call regarding over 45 young adults and teenagers partying and trespassing on private property off of Oak Level Rd.

LIBERTY COUNTY On July 17th, Ranger Jason Miller patrolled the waterways between St. Catherine's Sound and Sapelo Sound. One person was cited for fishing without a license and another was cited for fishing without a license on their person in Johnson Creek.
On July 20th, Corporals Phillip Scott and Jay Morgan conducted a HIN/registration inspection at the Savannah Tech campus on Airport Rd., assisting nine boat owners with the registration of their boats.
GLYNN / MCINTOSH COUNTIES On July 18, RFC David Brady, RFC John Evans, RFC Randy Aspinwall, and Ranger Jay Bright conducted a shrimp trawler detail in North Glynn and McIntosh Counties. Mark Dodd from the Non-Game Section of the Wildlife Resources Division also assisted in the detail. During the detail, numerous TED violations were documented and one subject was arrested on outstanding warrants from McIntosh County.

BRANTLEY COUNTY On July 20th, Cpl. Craig Smith conducted a Boating Safety program at the Hoboken Safety Day in downtown Hoboken.
GLYNN COUNTY On the evening of July 14th, Sgt. Chris Hodge, Cpl. Chris Ridley, Ranger Jay Bright, Ranger Colt Shaske, Glynn County EMA, and the United States Coast Guard responded to a missing swimmer on St. Simon's Island Beach. All agencies searched the water for the missing swimmer throughout the night and through the next day. Unfortunately, on the morning of July 16th, the missing swimmer was located deceased offshore of St Simon's Island. DNR officers recovered the victim around 0945 on July 16th.

CAMDEN COUNTY On July 20th, Sgt. Chris Hodge, Cpl. Chris Ridley, RFC David Brady, RFC John Evans, Captain Doug Lewis, and Ranger Colt Shaske participated in the 2nd Annual C.Mo's Kid's Family Fun Day at Crooked River State Park. Commissioner Mark Williams also attended the event which included archery shooting, tree stand safety exhibits, pellet rifle shooting, fishing simulator, laser shot shooting simulator, and much more. Game Management Technicians and Crooked River State Park Staff also participated in the event as well. It was estimated that over 300 kids attended the event.