FWC Division of Law Enforcement Weekly Report September 16 through September 22, 2016

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FWC

Division of Law Enforcement

 

 Weekly Report

September 16 through September 22, 2016

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

CASES

BAY COUNTY

Officer Waring received a complaint that someone was harvesting stone crabs near the Grand Lagoon Bridge. Upon arrival, he located the subject in a kayak and found seven stone crabs inside a compartment on the kayak during an inspection. The subject was issued a citation for possession of whole stone crabs. The crabs were photographed and returned to the bay unharmed.

Officer Basford was on water patrol when he conducted a resource inspection of a vessel returning from offshore. During the inspection, Officer Basford found the operator in possession of three whole red snapper, a bag containing red snapper fillets, and an undersized greater amberjack. Officer Basford issued the vessel captain citations for over the bag limit of red snapper and red snapper not landed in whole condition. The captain was issued warnings for the undersized greater amberjack and possession of greater amberjack during closed season.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Officers Cushing, Manning and Trueblood were patrolling the waters of the Gulf of Mexico aboard the FINCAT with assistance from Officer Tolbert and his Aviation Unit. One of the vessels that Officers Manning and Trueblood inspected in federal waters was in possession of 16 red snapper. Red snapper is currently closed for harvest in federal waters. The operator of the vessel stated that he thought state waters were closed and federal waters were open. Officer Trueblood issued a citation to the operator for the violation.

Lieutenant Hahr was patrolling the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he observed a vehicle parked at a closed gate late at night. The area is closed at night. When he spoke to the couple in the vehicle, the woman’s suspicious actions prompted a closer look. After a glance into the woman’s purse, paraphernalia used for drug use was observed. Heroin and prescription pills were located in the purse along with a needle and crushed pills mixed with water. The woman admitted to shooting up the day before and was arrested for possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Officer Corbin was on land patrol conducting state fisheries and license inspections near the Marler Bridge. He observed an individual actively fishing with a rod and reel. The fisheries inspection revealed the individual was in possession of an undersized red drum. The individual was cited and issued a notice to appear citation.

Officers Pifer and Corbin were on vessel patrol conducting state fisheries and license enforcement in the Destin Harbor and observed an inshore charter boat return from a fishing trip. The officers waited until the charter boat tied up to the vessel’s wet slip. The fisheries inspection revealed two undersized red snapper on board. The operator was cited and issued a notice to appear citation.

Officers Pifer and Corbin were on vessel patrol in the area of the Destin Pass when they observed a rental PWC violating the idle speed zone and the operator was not wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). During the subsequent stop, Officer Pifer observed signs of impairment and the operator agreed to perform field sobriety tasks. Based on the operator’s performance, he was placed under arrest for BUI. At the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Station Destin, the operator was given the opportunity to provide a breath sample, which he refused. The operator was cited for operating a vessel while normal faculties impaired, refusal to submit a breath sample, violation of the idle speed zone and operating a PWC without wearing a PFD.

DIRECTED CONSERVATION PATROLS

OKALOOSA COUNTY

From May 27-September 5, Officers Bartlett, Clark, Hutchinson and Molnar were involved in Operation Plan “Boat Sober.” The officers worked night shift targeting primarily BUI on state waters and DUI in state parks and WMAs in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. The intent of this operation was to make areas safer for people enjoying Florida’s natural resources. Throughout their proactive patrols, a total of 12 felonies, 78 misdemeanors, 56 infractions and 7 warnings were documented. The officers performed field sobriety tasks on 60 subjects, resulting in 22 arrests for BUI and 7 arrests for DUI. Some of the other 49 misdemeanors consisted of a minor in possession of alcohol, providing alcohol to a minor, possession of cannabis less than 20 grams, damage to public lands by motor vehicle and knowingly driving while license suspended. The felony charges consisted of narcotic possession, weapons violations and fleeing and eluding.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Lieutenant Walsingham assisted the Hunter Safety Program with the range day at Vernon High School. Approximately 35 students participated in the hands-on event.

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