FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY REPORT October 19 - 25, 2012

FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

WEEKLY REPORT

October 19 - 25, 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

 

A week before the opening day of archery season, Lt. Dan Hahr located a baited area with a tree stand in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area. On opening day, Lieutenant Hahr and Officer Kenneth Manning worked the baited area. The officers located one subject hunting with a bow and arrow at the baited site. The hunter admitted to putting out corn a week before the season. The hunter then advised that his friend was hunting approximately 300 yards down the trail. Lieutenant Hahr located the hunter and found him hunting over corn as well. Both hunters received citations for the baiting violation as well as for possession of cannabis and paraphernalia.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

 

Officers David Jernigan and Joe Murphy were on water patrol in the Escambia Bay area in and around the area known as Escambia Fill when they encountered two subjects who were fishing from the bank at Saltzman’s Bayou at the Highway 90 Bridge. The subjects did not have the required fishing license, and one was in possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and spice. Both subjects were cited for fishing without a license and the appropriate drug charges. The officers then checked two subjects fishing on the other side of the bridge. These individuals also did not have the required fishing licenses and were cited. One subject was cited for the same violation a week ago in the same location.

 

Officers John Clark and Joe Murphy were on water patrol on the Escambia River from Highway 90 to Wallace Lake and checked several archery hunters and fishermen. One vessel, checked just above Quintette Landing for safety equipment, revealed a full 50‑pound bag of corn and an empty 50‑pound corn bag hidden under the life jackets. The subjects advised the officers they were feeding animals and agreed to show the officers where they were feeding the animals. The area was located, and the officers found it was baited with approximately 50 pounds of corn. Footprints of all three subjects were located in the baited area. There was also evidence of freshly cut vegetation along a trail leading into the baited area. A vessel inspection revealed the owner/operator of the vessel had never transferred the registration into his name when he bought it a year ago. The owner also did not have the certification or a sound producing device on the boat. The officers issued three misdemeanor violations for baiting in the management area, and six warnings.

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

 

A 15­­­‑foot Blazer Bay vessel with three fishermen onboard apparently struck a channel marker, ejecting all three individuals into Santa Rosa Sound. Officers John Clark and Joe Murphy responded to the boating accident and assisted the U.S. Coast Guard with the search and rescue for one of the missing fishermen. A recovery was completed when Lt. Fred Rondeau and Officer Andy Maltais used side scan sonar and located the body of the missing fisherman. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s dive team assisted with the recovery. The investigation is ongoing.

 

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