FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY REPORT January 11 - 17, 2013

FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

WEEKLY REPORT

January 11 - 17, 2013        

 

This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however,

it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.

 

NORTHWEST REGION

 

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

 

While on patrol in Perdido River Management Area, Lt. Brian Lambert stopped a vehicle that was in the area after legal hours. While approaching the driver, Lieutenant Lambert smelled the odor of burnt cannabis. Lieutenant Lambert asked the driver to step out of the vehicle. When the driver exited the vehicle, Lieutenant Lambert noticed a cannabis cigarette on the floorboard, and the driver admitted the cannabis was his. The cannabis was seized and a notice to appear citation was issued for the violation.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY COPS

 

On January 12-13, the inaugural Wounded Warrior hunt entitled, “Operation Outdoor Freedom,” was conducted in the Blackwater WMA. Five hunters, with assistants, participated in the event and harvested 11 deer. The hunt was initiated by the Florida Forest Service and coordinated through FWC for approval and monitoring of the special hunt within a traditionally closed area.

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

 

Officer Heath Nichols and Reserve Officer Richard Strong were notified by the staff of Rocky Bayou State Park that a truck had been driven into Little Rocky Creek and was stuck on Eglin property. The 4x4 truck was upstream from the boat ramp when the officers arrived. The driver was cited for driving off the designated roadway. Eglin security forces responded and issued the driver an administrative suspension from the property.

 

In the early morning hours, Lt. Mark Hollinhead, Investigator James Armstrong and Officer Randall Brooks received a request from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a subject stopped by a deputy for night hunting. The deputy was investigating a vehicle that was damaged in the incident. The officers arrived and spoke with the landowner. Apparently, the landowner heard shots and located a dead doe on his property. When the subjects returned to pick up the deer using a light, an employee for the property owner turned on his own spot light and opened fire in the direction of the subjects’ vehicle. The employee shot the vehicle and was arrested by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy. Evidence of the night hunting incident was collected, and the subjects were interviewed by the FWC Officers. The investigation of the event is ongoing and charges are pending.

 

WALTON COUNTY

 

Lt. Mark Hollinhead, Investigator James Armstrong, and Officer Randall Brooks, utilized the decoy deer to work a night hunting detail along Hwy 20 in Walton County. Shortly after midnight, a vehicle turned around in front of Officer Brooks and Investigator Armstrong, and a shot was fired. When the officers caught up to the vehicle, they found an adult male and his nine year old son. The driver was issued a citation for attempting to take deer by use of gun and light, and the firearm was seized.

 

BAY COUNTY

 

Officer David Brady responded to a boating accident in Grand Lagoon in which a subject was ejected from his vessel and injured. The operator refused medical attention and the investigation is ongoing.

 

GADSDEN COUNTY

 

Officer Chris Jones responded to a trespass incident at highway 90 and I-10 in Gadsden County. After the investigation, Officer Jones was able to identify the individual who was trespassing; the individual was issued a citation.

 

LEON COUNTY

 

Officer Chris Jones responded to a complaint of a subject that was cleaning a doe deer in Leon County. The caller advised that he observed a subject in possession of a trophy buck. After a closer look the caller advised that there was another deer under the buck which appeared to be a doe. Officer Jones responded to the area, and located the subject with the doe. The subject advised that he did not kill the doe but he knew who did and took Officer Jones to where the doe was killed or picked up. The subject took Officer Jones to some county property that is a nature preserve in Leon County where hunting is not allowed. At this time, Officer Jones requested assistance, and Officer Charles Higman and K-9 Officer Chase Yarbrough responded. During the investigation, they came into contact with the subject who shot the doe deer along with the buck. The suspect admitted to hunting on county property. Officer Yarbrough and K-9 Drake located the area where the suspect was crawling under the fence and hunting on county property. Blood was found on the county property in different locations. During the investigation, it was determined that both deer were shot on the county preserve. Two subjects were cited, and the investigation is ongoing. Both deer were seized along with a muzzleloader.

 

-30-

 

 

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments