FWC Division of Law Enforcement Weekly Report October 28, 2016 through November 3, 2016

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FWC

Division of Law Enforcement

 

 Weekly Report

October 28, 2016 through November 3, 2016

This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past two weeks; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.

Patrol, Protect, Preserve

NORTHWEST REGION

CASES

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Officers Matechik, Hughes and Lieutenant Price were in the Gulf of Mexico in federal waters and found two vessels fishing at the ‘O’ Tower. Resource inspections were conducted and one vessel was found to have three greater amberjack with three people on board. Greater amberjack is closed in federal and state waters until the end of the year. The other vessel inspection revealed two people on board with four red snapper and a red drum. Officers Hughes and Matechik issued federal citations for the violations on both vessels.

GULF COUNTY

After receiving information that several subjects were conducting illegal logging operations on Brother’s River in Gulf County, Officers McMillion and Lipford began a week-and-a-half-long, plain-clothes detail in an attempt to identify and apprehend the subjects involved. The officers conducted surveillance on land and by vessel, identified five suspects and witnessed the entire logging operation - from the lifting of logs from the river bottom to the removal of the logs from the water. As a result of the investigation, all five suspects were charged with first degree misdemeanors for logging without permits. Several warnings for boating safety violations were also issued.

HOLMES COUNTY

Officers Greene, Yates and Lieutenant Walsingham responded to a night-hunting complaint in the Esto area where shots were fired. The suspect vehicle was located at a residence nearby and three subjects were identified and questioned. After additional investigation the next morning, more evidence was located. Secondary questioning resulted in the subjects giving written confessions. A 30-30 rifle and a six‑point buck head were seized as evidence. After a review by the State Attorney, charges were filed for taking deer during a closed season and written warnings were issued for secondary violations.

Officers Jackson and Greene responded to a night-hunting complaint in the Westville area. During the investigation, a subject was found to be in possession of a fawn deer in a pen. The deer was taken to a licensed rehabilitator and the subject was cited for possession of a deer without a permit.

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Officer Corbin observed two individuals actively fishing with rods and reels on a local dock in Destin. When asked, the individuals stated they had caught some fish and placed them in their cooler. The cooler was located in the trunk of their car. With consent, the cooler was inspected and contained several gafftopsail catfish and a grossly oversized red drum. One of the individuals claimed responsibility for harvesting the oversized red drum. The individual was cited accordingly.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Officers Clark, Hutchinson and Lewis were on patrol when they observed a light-colored pickup parked in Blackwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The officers stopped and approached the vehicle and noticed the windows were down. There was also a deer stand in the bed and pieces of corn scattered throughout. While they were waiting by the vehicle, a male subject walked out of the WMA carrying a backpack that appeared empty. Officer Hutchinson asked the man if he could look in the backpack and he consented. There were small pieces of corn in the bag. When asked what he was doing, he stated he was just looking around. The subject was read Miranda and asked if he was placing bait. He stated he only put a little out to see what kind of deer were in the area. He also had a camera placed to view wildlife taking the bait. The subject was cited for placing bait in a WMA.

WALTON COUNTY

Officer White responded to a residence at the request of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office after deputies observed a dead alligator tied to the porch of the residence. Officer White confirmed the homeowner had knowledge of the alligator and provided names of subjects who had delivered it to the residence. The homeowner was issued a notice to appear for possession of an American alligator. The involvement of the other subjects will be determined.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

BAY COUNTY

Officer Leonard attended the 2016 Annual Fall Festival hosted by the Springfield Police Department where an estimated 400 kids attended. Officer Leonard took his vessel as a static display, answered questions about being a conservation officer along with hunting and fishing regulations.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Area officers along with the SOG Team worked a security detail providing dignitary protection at a political rally in Pensacola. The rally was held adjacent to the Blue Wahoo’s Stadium which is a waterfront facility. The officers were tasked with waterborne security and to provide a contingency plan for an emergency extraction.

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