FWC Law Enforcement Weekly Report 10/10 - 10/16/2014

(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) FWC Division of Law Enforcement   Weekly Report October 10 – October 16, 2014 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. Patrol, Protect, Preserve NORTHWEST REGION BAY COUNTY Lieutenant Chesser, Investigator Nelson and Officer T. Basford responded to a boating accident at a marina in Panama City Beach. A vessel trying to dock at the marina struck a docked vessel. When the operator realized his vessel was going to strike the other vessel, he put his arm out in an attempt to avert the collision which resulted in a broken arm.  Officer Basford is conducting the investigation. JACKSON COUNTY Officers Johnson and Forehand responded to the Sneads area after receiving information about two buck deer being taken during the closed season. After arriving on scene and interviewing the suspect, they were directed to an area where the carcasses had been disposed. While searching the area for the deer carcasses, the officers also located eight cannabis plants on the property. The suspect admitted to killing the two bucks and claimed ownership of the cannabis plants. Appropriate citations were issued. OKALOOSA COUNTY Officer Maltais was on evening vessel patrol when he conducted a stop on a vessel for operating with no navigational lights displayed.   During the vessel stop, Officer Maltais observed scrap material as follows:  12 vehicle tires (bundled in two’s by a rope), metal chairs, furniture frames, and three window air conditioning units.  The material, by definition under Florida Statutes, is considered artificial reef material.  When questioned about the scrap material, the operator stated that the material came from a residence and he was disposing of the material in a dumpster located in the Indian Bayou community.  Officer Maltais issued warnings for operating a vessel with no navigational lights and relayed his observations to Investigator Nelson regarding the transportation of scrap reef material.  Investigator Nelson conducted interviews of the operator and passenger of the vessel.  Investigator Nelson presented his findings to the Assistant State Attorney and a local judge signed and issued two arrest warrants for the transportation of reef material without a manifest, a first degree misdemeanor. SANTA ROSA COUNTY While working the Munson Heritage Festival at Krul Lake, Officers Barnard and Hutchinson received information from off-duty FWC Officer Johnson about a fugitive from justice who was seen at the festival.  After receiving a description of the fugitive, the officers observed him walking in their direction.  They approached and detained the fugitive and confirmed that he had an active out-of-state warrant.  He was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. COPS ESCAMBIA COUNTY Investigator Wilkenson was a guest speaker for a community public outreach event hosted by the Escambia County Code Enforcement Division.  Investigator Wilkenson discussed FWC core missions and the responsibilities of the Environmental Units to a neighborhood watch group.  Investigator Wilkenson provided environmental brochures. There were 27 citizens who attended. GADSDEN COUNTY Investigator Dupree was asked to participate in an outreach event at a local high school.  Investigator Dupree spoke about women in law enforcement and FWC core missions and our constitutional and statutory responsibilities in the enforcement of conservation and environmental laws.  She also spoke to students on how to become an FWC officer.  There were 120 students in attendance. LEON COUNTY Investigator Dupree participated in a public outreach event that coincided with the FWC Wildlife Alert 5K fundraiser run in Tallahassee.  Investigator Dupree along with other FWC personnel manned a booth and provided educational information brochures regarding FWC core missions and environmental responsibilities. SANTA ROSA COUNTY Officers Barnard and Hutchinson worked alongside the FWC biologists at the wildlife display set up at the Munson Heritage Festival at Krul Lake. They educated the public on fishing and hunting rules and regulations and provided rule and regulation pamphlets to the public.

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