Field operations weekly report [July 21-27, 2013]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report July 21-27, 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)
CHEROKEE COUNTY On July 27th just after midnight, Cpl. Byron Young, RFC Bart Hendrix, and Ranger Zack Hardy responded to a boat crash at Harbor Town Marina on Allatoona Lake. A Crestliner runabout boat hit the wave break at Harbor Town Marina. A male operator was ejected from the vessel and assisted by witnesses on the dock. The male was transported to Kennestone Hospital in Cobb County. Cpl. Young and RFC Hendrix traveled to the hospital and found the operator to be under the influence of alcohol. The operator suffered a broken left leg/ankle and several cuts and bruises. Once the operator was released from the hospital the officers issued arrest warrants for operating a vessel under the influence (BUI) and reckless operation of a vessel.
Ending result of a boat crash on Allatoona Lake on 7/27/2013

On July 27th around midnight, RFC Bart Hendrix and Ranger Zack Hardy responded to a call from Cherokee County 911 in reference to Bomber boat found floating without lights and unoccupied near Little River on Allatoona Lake. RFC Hendrix assisted a boater with securing the vessel at Little River Marina. The vessel had no current registration and an owner could not be located. RFC Hendrix contacted Cherokee SO and advised of the situation and secured the vessel at the marina. The following night at 3:30 A.M., Cpl. Byron Young answered a call in reference to a stolen boat at Little River. The caller stated that his Bomber boat was stolen. Cpl. Young contacted RFC Hendrix and the officers assisted the owner with recovering the boat.
CARTER'S LAKE On July 19th, Cpl. Casey Jones conducted three vessel stops on Carters Lake. Cpl. Jones address several violations including registration violations, operating vessel with improper lights, towing skier after hours and operating PWC without wearing PFD. Cpl. Jones also arrested a Whitfield County man for BUI.
On July 28th, Cpl. Casey Jones and Cpl. James Keener conducted seven vessel stops. On the vessel stops the rangers addressed numerous violations including allowing person under the age of 13 to ride vessel without wearing PFD, towing skier without an observer and operating vessel with an expired registration.
MURRAY COUNTY On July 26th, Cpl. James Keener arrested a Murray County man for possession of marijuana less than 1 oz. Cpl. Keener also addressed other violations while on patrol. The violations addressed included, fishing without license, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher.
FANNIN COUNTY On July 17th, RFC Cody Jones responded to a complaint of a subject that was burning large amounts of household trash. The subject was issued a citation for unlawful dumping of egregious litter.

On July 28th, RFC Cody Jones issued citations for hunting out of season and possession of illegally taken wildlife after completing an investigation where a nine point buck deer was confiscated.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
HALL COUNTY On July 27th, Cpl. Jason Roberson and Cpl. Robert Stillwell arrested two subjects for operating a vessel under the influence in Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier. HABERSHAM COUNTY On July 22nd, Cpl. Derek Dillard responded to a call of a missing 22 year old male with Asperger Syndrome that had wondered away from his family while hiking in the area of Nancy Town Lake on Lake Russell WMA. Habersham Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue and USFS L Enforcement Officers Derik Breedlove and Jeff Angel all were present during the search. The subject was eventually located uninjured by USFS LEO Jeff Angel at approximately 10:50 pm.

RABUN COUNTY On July 25th, Cpl. Derek Dillard assisted Rabun County Sheriff's Deputy Clint Carpenter with a call of an irate and intoxicated subject that had made verbal threats to burn down LaPrade's Marina on Lake Burton. Deputy Carpenter observed the suspect in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. While conducting a consensual search of the suspect's vehicle Cpl. Dillard and Deputy Carpenter located a small quantity of marijuana. A check of the subject's driver's license showed that it was suspended. He was arrested and charged for driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and driving on a suspended license.
On July 27th, RFC Anne Alexander was on routine vessel patrol around LaPrade's Marina when she observed a pontoon boat that appeared to be overloaded due to the rear pontoons being almost completely under water. A vessel stop was conducted for the safety of all occupants on the vessel. During the stop the captain of the vessel displayed signs of possible impairment, RFC Alexander requested to perform a field sobriety test to see of the captain was safe to operate. Results of the field sobriety test indicated to RFC Alexander that the captain was not safe to operate. She placed the subject under arrest and read him his implied consent warning to which he refused. The subject was charged with operating overloaded vessel, boating under the influence and was given verbal guidance on an unserviceable fire extinguisher.
TOWNS COUNTY On July 25th, Sgt. Seitz received a call from Towns County 911 about a possible unlawful dumping of waste into Soapstone Creek off Hwy 180 by a nearby campground. Sgt. Seitz requested that Towns County Health Department and Georgia DNR Environmental Protection Division be notified about the incident. On July 26th, Sgt. Seitz and USFS Law Enforcement Officer Jason Arrowood met with the GA EPD and County Health Department representatives at the campground to investigate the complaint. The officers interviewed some employees of the campground and determined that they had allowed sewage from the campground to spill into Soapstone Creek while they were attempting to unclog a blocked sewer pipe. The officers took photographs, water samples, and gathered information about the incident. The case is still under investigation.
HARTWELL LAKE On July 27th, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Tim Vickery patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. A total of twelve boats were checked for proper safety equipment and several fishing licenses were also inspected. As a result, two warnings were issued. The violations consisted of towing skier after hours and operating a vessel with improper lights.
FRANKLIN COUNTY On July 27th, Cpl. Bill Bunch caught two subjects hunting out of season for raccoons. The hunters said they were training a new dog. One of the subjects was in possession of a loaded .22 rifle. The hunters were issued citations for hunting out of season.

DAWSON COUNTY On July 23rd, Wildlife Technician III David Shattuck responded to a call on Dawson Forest WMA reference to a subject that attempting to commit suicide. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office and the Dawson County EMS also responded. The subject has poured gasoline on themself and called 911 stating that they needed help. The subject was checked out by the EMS and the subject refused treatment. The subject left the WMA. Later in the afternoon the Dawson County Deputies received another call reference this subject. They met the subject and assisted them with getting some help.
Later in the afternoon Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling Dawson Forest WMA at the Edge of the World when he observed four subjects illegally consuming alcohol on the WMA. Sgt. Brown called Wildlife Tech Shattuck for assistance. Sgt. Brown escorted the subjects to the parking lot. While Sgt. Brown was writing the citations Wildlife Tech Shattuck was given consent to search the subjects vehicle. During the search marijuana was found. One the subjects stated that it was his marijuana. He was arrested for possession of marijuana and unlawful consumption of alcohol on a WMA. The other three subjects were issued citations for unlawful consumption of alcohol on a WMA.
On July 24th, Sgt. Lee Brown was called about illegal targeting practicing at Wildcat Campground on Dawson Forest WMA. The Dawson County Sheriff's Office was called and they dispatched a deputy to the area. The deputy found the subject target practicing. When Sgt. Brown arrived he issued the subject a written warning for target practicing in an unauthorized area on a WMA.
On July 26th, RFC Barry Britt and Ranger Shane Brown were patrolling Dawson Forest WMA. The rangers issued a subject a citation for illegal use of an ATV on a WMA.
FORSYTH COUNTY On July 21st, Sgt. Lee Brown and Cpl. Eric Sanders patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. Verbal guidance, written warnings and citations were issued for fishing without a license, non-resident fishing without a license, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, operating a vessel with expired registration and operating a vessel with an expired fire extinguisher.
On July 21st, RFC Barry Britt and Ranger Shane Brown patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. The rangers issued a written warning for operating a vessel with improper registration.
On July 27th, RFC Barry Britt and Ranger Shane Brown patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. The rangers issued written warnings for operating a vessel without PFD's and operating a vessel with improper lights.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
RICHMOND COUNTY On July 27, Cpl. Ben Payne and other Rangers from Region 3 Law Enforcement participated in the 2nd Annual Augusta Outdoor Expo. Rangers demonstrated the Laser Shot and Fishing Simulator and allowed the public to join in on the fun. The Rangers also hosted a Break-Out Session during the Event and Cpl. Mark Patterson gave an I/E presentation on the Law Enforcement Sections functions. Thirty six hundred people attended the event. Guest speaker for the night was Hank Parker. The event was a success.
LAKE OCONEE On July 27, RFC Niki Spencer and CPL Derrell Worth arrested one individual for Boating Under the influence. The individual was also charged with Child Endangerment (BUI) and operating a vessel with an insufficient number of personal flotation devices. Other violations were documented over the weekend, including: towing a skier after sunset, operating an overloaded vessel, operating a vessel within 100' of object above idle speed, and allowing underage child to ride in a vessel without wearing a personal flotation device.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On Saturday, July 20, RFC Richard Tanner and RFC Grant Matherly met with the Columbia County Dive team to participate in the training of the Department's Side Scan Sonar on Clarks Hill Lake.
On Saturday, July 20, CPL Brian Hobbins, RFC Brian Adams, CPL Ryan Swain and RFC Leroy Ficklin patrolled Clarks Hill Lake and documented several violations.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On Saturday, July 20, CPL Mark Patterson, SGT Doyte Chaffin, CPL Julian Wilkins and RFC Leroy Ficklin assisted with the Kids Fishing Event located at the PFA in Dearing, GA.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On Saturday, July 27th, Corporal Josh Copelan and Ranger Matt Johnson patrolled Lake Sinclair for boating safety activity near Island Creek and Rocky Creek. Several warnings were issued for minor boating violations.
PUTNAM COUNTY On Saturday, July 27th, Corporal Lynn Stanford and Ranger Derek Cobb patrolled Lake Sinclair for boating safety. One PWC operator was arrested after a short vessel chase and fight with DNR officers. The boat operator was charged with two counts of felony obstruction, failing to stop vessel for a law enforcement officer, boating under the

influence and operating PWC after legal hours (sunset). The boat operator was transported to the Putnam County jail.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
BAKER COUNTY On July 27th, Cpl. Randy Davis and Ranger Steve Thomas assisted the Baker Co. Sheriff's Office with a Kayak Poker Run and raft race on the Flint River at Newton. This is a yearly event which is held to raise money for the Sheriff's Youth Ranch.
Baker County Sheriff Dana Meade (L) with Cpl. Randy Davis
Mitchell County Sheriff W.E. Bozeman (L) and Cpl. Randy Davis

DOUGHERTY COUNTY On July 23rd, Cpl. Robbie Griner and Ranger Eric White where conducting a patrol on Lake Worth when they found a suspicious looking boat and trailer sitting unattended at a boat ramp. The rangers contacted the owner and it was determined that the boat had been stolen the previous day from his property in Terrell County. The boat was returned to the owner at the scene.
Ranger Eric White with a recovered stolen boat On the afternoon of July 27th, Cpl. Greg Wade and Ranger Eric White were patrolling Lake Worth when they observed a vessel being operated in an illegal manner. The officers proceeded to stop the boat and during their investigation found the operator impaired. The subject was arrested and transported to the Dougherty County Jail where he was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence. On July 27th, Cpl. Greg Wade and Ranger Eric White spoke with Troop 15 Boy Scouts at Lake Worth in Dougherty County. The scouts were involved in an Eagle Scout Project where they cleaned up trash and placed dive signs at the 5 boat landings throughout the county.
Cpl. Greg Wade and Troop 15 BSA

WORTH COUNTY On the evening of July 27th, Cpl. Greg Wade was traveling between Albany and Sylvester on highway 82, when a car passed him at a very high rate of speed. As he was attempting to catch up to the car a small truck then passed him. As it caught up to the car it forced the car off of the roadway, at which point both vehicles then spun out of control. The vehicles then regained the highway and headed back towards Albany. Cpl. Wade was able to stop the car where it was determined that the female driver was attempting to escape her estranged boyfriend, whom she had a protection order against. A short time later the boyfriend passed by their location and a Worth County deputy whom was at the scene pursued the truck. The deputy stopped the truck but the suspect fled on foot, he was located shortly thereafter. The suspect is now charged with reckless driving, driving without insurance, driving while license suspended, driving without registration, possession of marijuana, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
LAURENS COUNTY On July 21, Cpl. Stiles patrolled the Beaverdam WMA. Seven individuals were checked for license / GORP compliance at the shooting range. One individual was given verbal guidance at the shooting range for expired WMA license.
On July 24th, RFC Allen Mills was conducted a routine patrol at the Hugh Gillis Public Fishing Area. RFC Mills performed one boating safety inspection. Violations for fishing without a license and fishing without a WMA license on PFA were documented.
On July 26, Cpl. Stiles patrolled the Hugh M. Gillis PFA. Six individuals were checked for license and creel compliance and one vessel was checked for boating safety equipment and registration. No violations were documented.
On July 27, Cpl. Stiles and RFC Horne patrolled public boat landings. Twelve vessels were inspected for boating safety equipment and registration. Three violations were documented for violation of the 100' law, operating a vessel improper registration, and operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
DODGE COUNTY On July 26th, RFC Allen Mills was conducted a routine patrol at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. RFC Mills performed four boating safety inspections and checked nine anglers for license requirements and creel compliance. Three violations for take/possess over limit on PFA were documented.
On July 27th, RFC Allen Mills was conducted a routine patrol at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. RFC Mills performed eight boating safety inspections and checked nineteen anglers for license requirements and creel compliance. One violation for fishing without WMA license on PFA was documented.

TELFAIR COUNTY On July 25th, RFC Allen Mills was conducted a routine patrol at the Little Ocmulgee State Park. RFC Mills was using binoculars to observe boating activity on the lake and noticed an individual kayaking on the far end of the lake without a `life jacket'. One violation for operating a vessel without coast guard-approved PFD was documented.
ATKINSON COUNTY On July 25th, RFC Hilton received a complaint about alligators being taken illegally. RFC Hilton began an investigation into the incident. RFC Hilton went to the area of the violation. RFC Hilton observed two alligator heads and a hide lying at a residence. RFC Hilton interviewed two suspects and charged the suspects with hunting alligators out of season and illegal possession of alligator parts. RFC Hilton interviewed another suspect in Coffee County and charged him with possession of illegal alligator parts.
BERRIEN COUNTY On July 27th, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Tim Hutto worked boating safety activity on the Alapaha River. Six vessels were checked and three warnings were issued for violations of the 100ft rule and children under 13 wearing a PFD while the vessel is in motion.
COFFEE COUNTY On July 26, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Tim Hutto worked a boating safety patrol on the Ocmulgee River. Several vessels were checked and six warnings were issued for various violations. Later that evening both officers responded to a boat incident at Flat Tub Landing. The incident involved one vessel and one victim. Fish shocking equipment was seized from the vessel involved and charges are pending after the investigation is concluded.
CHARLTON COUNTY On July 22nd, Cpl. Josh Chambers and RGR Sam Williams responded to a stranded boater on the St. Mary's River. Three subjects went down river fishing in a pontoon boat that morning and had mechanical trouble. The boat was towed approximately a half mile back to a sandbar where they were camping. The operator was then transported back to Camp Pinckney boat landing to his vehicle where he was able to go to town and get the parts he needed to fix the pontoon boat and retrieve another boat from his residence.
CLINCH COUNTY On July 27th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, RFC Mark Pool, and RGR Sam Williams conducted a vessel registration inspection in Homerville. Twenty-six vessels were inspected for registration problems and the owners were assisted with correcting the issues. Just after the inspection was completed, the officers assisted an elderly motorist with changing a blown tire.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On July 27th, Cpl. Jay Morgan, Cpl. Phillip Scott, and Ranger Jason Miller conducted a HIN/registration inspection at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery, assisting 10 boat owners with the registration of their boats.
On afternoon of July 27th, Cpl. Scott and Cpl. Morgan patrolled the Medway and Jerico River areas checking several boaters. One boater was cited for operating a vessel without enough life jackets and for not having a fire extinguisher on board. Another boater returning to the Demeries Creek ramp was checked and arrested for operating under the influence.
LIBERTY COUNTY On July 25th, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Jason Miller investigated a case of a person burning chairs from a hair salon. The case was turned over to the Hinesville Police Dept. and the person was charged for illegal open burning.
CHATHAM COUNTY July 28, Corporal Chris Moore, Ranger First Class Kiel Toney, and Ranger Jordan Crawford patrolled offshore waters of Chatham County for JEA (Joint Enforcement Agreement) violations. The patrol targeted recreational fishing of snapper/grouper and highly migratory/pelagic species. Several vessels were checked, no violations documented.
GLYNN COUNTY On July 21st Cpl. Chris Ridley, Cpl. Craig Smith, Ranger Colte Shaske, and RFC David Brady were working a detail on the Brunswick River in reference to a subject keeping over the limit of bait shrimp. The subject was watched for several minutes and then checked as he pulled his boat out of the water. The subject was found to be in possession of over the limit of Bait Shrimp and an under sized trout. The subject was cited for the above infractions and released.
On July 27th, Cpl. Craig Smith responded to a call in reference to a commercial shrimp boat that had sunk in the East Brunswick River with possibly 3 persons on board. Cpl. Smith arrived to find a large shrimp boat on its side next to St. Andrews Island. All subjects were accounted for and no one was injured.
CAMDEN COUNTY On July 21st Cpl. Craig Smith was attempting to make it back to the dock from routine vessel patrol before a severe storm hit the area. While doing so he noticed several kayas trying to make it against the wind and waves. Cpl. Smith turned around to assist the subjects and was able to load 5 children ranging in age from 2 to 8 into his boat and also one parent and a kayak. The other parents were taken by another vessel that came to help. All subjects were returned to Crooked River Boat ramp.

On July 27th Cpl. Craig Smith and Sgt. Chris Hodge assisted Brantley County S.O., Camden County S.O., and the Georgia State Patrol with a vehicle chase that had ended in Camden County with a foot chase. DNR Rangers assisted with securing a perimeter until K-9 officers from the Camden County Sheriff's Office arrived to track the suspect. After a short track with the K-9, officers located and apprehended the suspect in a wooded area near Waverly.