FWC Division of Law Enforcement Weekly Report September 25, 2015 thru October 1, 2015

(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) FWC Division of Law Enforcement   Weekly Report September 25, 2015 thru October 1, 2015 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 1 NORTHWEST REGION BAY COUNTY Officer Goodwin received information that someone was hunting dove over a baited field on the east side of the county. Officers Goodwin and Hellett went to the field in question and observed two subjects hunting dove. The field was covered with wheat seed. The two subjects were issued citations for hunting dove over a baited field. Officer Wicker was on patrol in St. Andrews Bay when he conducted a resource inspection on a vessel and found 8 juvenile red snapper onboard.  A citation was issued for possession of red snapper during the closed season and written warnings issued for undersized red snapper and several boating safety issues. ESCAMBIA COUNTY Officers Manning and Cushing were on patrol over the weekend on the FinCat. They conducted 12 fisheries inspections in both state and federal waters.  Three federal boarding’s revealed violations for possession of red snapper during a closed season.  Prior to boarding one of the vessels in federal waters, one of the fishermen asked if gray triggerfish was in season before admitting to having some in the cooler. During the inspection, Officer Manning discovered gray triggerfish, undersized greater amberjack and red snapper.  The violations were documented and turned over to National Marine Fisheries Service. Jackson County FWC Dispatch received a call from two alligator hunters on Lake Seminole whose vessel was taking on water and they could not find their way back to the boat ramp from which they launched. Officer Guy responded and was able to determine which boat ramp the hunters launched from after speaking to them by phone. The vessel operator had to run the vessel aground along a secluded shoreline before the vessel completely sank. Officer Guy was able to locate the hunters and bring them safely back to their vehicle. Lieutenant Allen, Officers Forehand and Burkhead checked six dove hunters they found hunting a field that had been baited with corn. The hunters were cited for taking dove over bait. While the officers were checking these hunters, they heard shots on a nearby property. After citing the six hunters, the officers went to the property where the shots were heard and found a hunter who had taken 20 dove. This hunter was cited for taking over the bag limit of dove. OKALOOSA COUNTY While on patrol in Eglin Wildlife Management Area, Officers White and Maltais observed a vehicle with five occupants enter a closed area. The individuals were attempting to locate palmetto berries for harvest.  The driver was cited for illegal access.  Eglin Range Patrol issued a notice of violation suspending his access to the area for two months. Officer P. Rockwell was on vessel patrol conducting boating safety inspections when he was dispatched to call regarding attempted kidnapping on Crab Island.  Officer Rockwell arrived on scene and assisted the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) with the investigation.  They learned that two men were drinking on a nearby boat and attempted to kidnap an 11‑year‑old girl and another child by putting them on their kayaks and taking them to their boat.  The two suspects and their location were quickly identified by OCSO deputies and USCG.  The Sheriff’s deputies arrested both individuals for false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. 2  SANTA ROSA COUNTY Lieutenant Hahr was patrolling at Keyser Landing in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area when he observed a truck heading towards the landing.  This area has been vandalized several times recently, so Lieutenant Hahr followed the vehicle. The truck was being driven erratically and the driver spun the tires unnecessarily on the roadway.  When Lieutenant Hahr stopped the truck, he observed two open containers of beer and the driver showed signs of impairment. The driver performed very poorly on field sobriety tasks and was arrested for DUI.  The man later provided a breath sample of .162g/210L.  The driver and a passenger were also cited for open container. COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Fall Career Expo held on FAMU campus September 30.  Representing The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement were DLE Recruiter Officer Phillip Griffith, Cindy Hoffman, FWC Director of Human Resources, DLE Human Resource Officer Paul Clemons and DLE Major Percy Griffin.  The expo is an annual event open to FAMU students and alumni, offering information on approximately 150 business organizations and Fortune 500 companies to include local, state, non-profit and government recruiters.  Many attendees expressed interest in becoming an FWC officer and our Mission in General.

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