FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY REPORT June 22 – 28, 2012

FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

WEEKLY REPORT

June 22 – 28, 2012        

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

Officer Nick Barnard responded to a report of an individual who shot a little blue heron on Fort McRee property with a spear gun. Officer Barnard quickly located an individual fitting the description given. The subject admitted to shooting the bird, and Officer Barnard located the carcass and cited the subject for the violation.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Four adults and three children were reported overdue on a float trip from Red Rock to Indian Ford Bridge on Big Juniper Creek. The float trip began at 1 p.m. and was expected to take approximately three hours. Seven hours later, and after dark, the group had not arrived at their destination. Cellular phone service was poor in the creek swamp, but one of the adults was finally able to send a text to a friend advising that they were lost. Officer R.D. Johnson was notified by FWC dispatch and a search and rescue mission began. Officer Johnson located the cold, wet, and very appreciative group at approximately 9:30 p.m. and brought them out of the woods. Munson Volunteer Fire Department assisted in transporting the group to their vehicles.

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Officer Danny Arnette responded to a search and rescue on the Shoal River at night after receiving information that three boaters were stranded due to a tree obstructing the river. Officer Arnette located the boaters and safely returned them to a boat ramp.

JACKSON COUNTY

Officer Hank Forehand was on vessel patrol on the Apalachicola River at approximately 1 a.m. when he observed a vessel with two subjects onboard that appeared to be gigging for fish. After conducting surveillance, Officer Forehand conducted a stop of the vessel for a safety and resource inspection. The subjects were found in possession of freshwater game fish (shellcracker) taken by illegal method. Citations were issued for the violation.

GULF COUNTY

Officer Arnie McMillion received information regarding individuals who were electro-fishing. The officer conducted surveillance on the suspects’ vehicle and trailer parked at Iola Landing. After dark, the vessel returned and was pulled up the ramp. Officer McMillion stopped the suspects, conducted a resource inspection, and observed numerous flathead catfish lying in the bow of the vessel. There were no fishing poles in the boat; however, there was a long handled dip net. He asked to see their shocking device, and one individual retrieved it from the vehicle and admitted to shocking the catfish with the device. There were 32 catfish taken. A misdemeanor citation was issued for taking freshwater fish by an unlawful method. A written warning was also issued to a juvenile onboard.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Officer Nick Price responded to Crystal Lake regarding a boating accident in which a skier was injured while being pulled on a skim board. When the skier fell, his hand slipped into the slack tow rope and caused severe damage to his left wrist.

BAY COUNTY

Officer Jim Moore responded to a boating accident in Grand Lagoon. Two vessels were underway when they collided; however, evidence indicated one of the operators may have turned around and rammed the other vessel after the accident. The accident investigation continues.

Officers David Brady, Jim Moore, and Steve Wicker were on patrol in Grand Lagoon when they encountered a vessel violating the posted idle zone. The officers conducted a vessel stop, during which the operator showed signs of impairment. The impairment was confirmed, and the subject was arrested and booked into jail for BUI. His breath alcohol content was twice the legal limit.

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