FWC Law Enforcement Weekly Report 02/28 - 03/06/2014

FWC

Division of Law Enforcement

 

Weekly Report

February 28, 2014 - March 6, 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

 

Jackson cOUNTY

 

Officer Guy received information while off duty regarding subjects taking freshwater game fish with a cast net at the Spring Creek Park in Marianna. Officer Guy was close to the area and responded in an attempt to observe the subjects from a concealed position. While en route, he contacted Officer Baber and advised him of the possible violations which were occurring. Officer Guy arrived and observed a subject fishing with a cast net and keeping what appeared to be several freshwater game fish. Officer Baber arrived on scene as the subjects were attempting to leave with their catch. Officers Guy and Baber made contact with the subject and found him in possession of 10 freshwater game fish (bream) which were caught with the cast net. Appropriate citations were issued.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

 

Officer Lewis was working in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he reached the end of what appeared to be a deserted road.  When he exited his vehicle, he was surprised to hear someone say, “Hey, buddy.”  He shined his light towards the voice and saw a young male holding a beer in the edge of the woods.  He determined that two subjects had driven past the end of the road down to the river and got stuck.  The vehicle caused a large amount of damage to the wetlands near the river.  He issued the driver a notice to appear for damaging state lands by motor vehicle.  The subject holding the beer was recognized as someone who Officer Lewis had recently cited for possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21.  That subject was given a notice to appear for his second offense.

 

WALTON COUNTY

 

Officers Brooks and Letcher observed a parked vehicle with footprints around it indicating someone had entered the Nokuse Plantation property. Officer Brooks followed the prints through a wooded area and located three subjects hunting on the property which was posted and fenced. The subjects were arrested and booked into the Walton County Jail for trespassing on property other than a structure or conveyance while armed with a firearm.

 

COPS (COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING)

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

 

Lieutenant Hollinhead spoke to a group of Royal Rangers at Lifepoint Church in Crestview about fish management and the duties of an FWC officer. Approximately 20 youth were present.

 

 

NORTH CENTRAL REGION

 

NASSAU & DUVAL COUNTIES

During a two-day detail inspecting seafood dealers and bait stores in Nassau and Duval counties, Officers Sweat and Blackburn inspected eight businesses. Numerous violations were discovered including no freshwater fish dealer’s license, failure to maintain records, purchasing from an unlicensed dealer and selling fish without a wholesale license.

 

TAYLOR COUNTY

 

Officer Wilcox and Investigator McMillan saw two trucks with dog boxes parked next to Suwannee River Water Management District land. The officers observed the activity and believed the individuals had dogs on the property, which is closed to hunting, and were pursuing deer. After observing the activity, the officers approached one of the subjects who later admitted to putting the dogs on the deer and letting them pursue the deer on property that was closed to hunting. The officers charged both subjects with the violations.

 

 

NORTHEAST REGION

 

ST JOHNS COUNTY

 

Officers Meade and Lawshe stopped at a local restaurant for lunch when Officer Meade was approached by a female who asked, “Do you know how to do the Heimlich?”  Officer Meade saw a man behind the woman with his hands around his throat and who was obviously choking.  Officer Meade immediately gave the victim abdominal thrusts, causing him to expel what he was choking on.  The victim began breathing and required no further medical attention.

 

VOLUSIA COUNTY

 

Officer Bertolami stopped a recreational vessel and began an investigation into the possibility that the adult male operator was boating under the influence (BUI).  Shortly after beginning the field sobriety tasks, the operator refused to continue with additional tasks.  He was subsequently arrested and booked into the county jail for the criminal BUI charge and will be assessed the $500 civil penalty for failing to provide a breath sample.

 

MARION COUNTY

 

Marion, Lake and Sumter County squads assisted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for five days searching for a lost person in the Ocala National Forest. 

 

COPS

 

While off duty in Osceola County, Officer Arendas was participating in a 20 mile hike on the Florida Trail with Boy Scout Troop 192 that he and his son are a part of. Officer Trusley met them at their half way mark which was the Prairie Lakes Wildlife Management Area entrance. Officer Trusley spoke to the scouts about an FWC Officer’s roles and responsibilities, and answered several questions. There were 17 Boy Scouts and five adults in attendance.

 

Officer Trusley attended “The Friends of Bull Creek” clean up in the Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area located in Osceola County. There he spoke to 40 people on subjects ranging from conservation to gun laws, hunting regulations and deer management.      

  

 

SOUTHWEST REGION

 

HERNANDO COUNTY

 

Officers Henry, Pulaski and Little cited a commercial stone crabber for failure to properly mark his gear. The officers had located 60 traps that were not properly marked, and it was determined that the fisherman had been previously warned for the same violation.

 

While responding to a reported bait site in the Croom WMA, Officer Spradlin located a subject in a hunting blind with a center-fire rifle, which is prohibited during the small game season. The rifle exceeded the magazine capacity, and the subject did not possess a valid WMA permit. Appropriate citations were issued.

 

While conducting surveillance in an area of the Croom WMA which has been having problems with vehicles “mudding” and damaging state lands, Officer Spradlin observed a vehicle enter a wetland area and begin to spin its tires and sling mud. After identifying the operator and passengers, the operator fled into the woods. Officer Spradlin called for a K-9; however, after several minutes, the subject returned to the scene and was secured. Consent to search was given by the owner and one of the passengers. A bag with marijuana was found which the driver admitted was his. A computer check revealed the driver did not have a valid driver’s license and was on probation for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was arrested and charged with damage to state land by vehicle, resisting arrest without violence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, violation of probation, and no valid driver’s license. A passenger was also issued a citation for open container.

 

While working with local landowners in reference to subjects trespassing and poaching, Officers Prowant, Henry and Lieutenant Grover set up in a general location to attempt to locate the subject(s). Officers Prowant and Henry were on foot when they spotted a small light working in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of deer and wildlife. A short time later, the officers heard multiple gun shots. They were able to locate the residence that the subjects had come from, and they witnessed three subjects cleaning a freshly killed deer in plain view. Contact was made with the subjects who were in possession of six antlerless deer that were killed out of season and by gun and light, three rifles with lights mounted and meat from six deer carcasses. The subjects were arrested on multiple charges.

 

LEE COUNTY

 

Officer Spoede was on water patrol at May Reef when he observed a large plume of smoke off of Sanibel. Officer Spoede was the first patrol boat on scene of a large, live-aboard vessel (approximately 65’) on fire several miles east of Sanibel.  Two people had jumped into the water and were picked up by a nearby fishing boat.  Officer Spoede transferred the two individuals to his patrol vessel then eventually transferred them to Cape Coral Fire and Rescue for medical treatment.  The vessel eventually sank.

 

 COPS (COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING)

 

Officer Still gave a presentation to the Defenders of Crooked Lake in Babson Park. He discussed hunting on Crooked Lake and issues of concern to the residents there.

 

Officer Ervin manned a display at South Florida State College in Avon Park for a career day which the college sponsored. Officer Ervin spoke with numerous people, several of whom stated they were interested in employment by the Division of Law Enforcement.

 

Officers Little and Henry conducted an outreach event for approximately 100 local Boy Scouts. They brought along a marked patrol vessel, and spoke to the boys and their families about the job responsibilities of being an FWC Officer.

 

 

SOUTH REGION A

 

BROWARD COUNTY

 

Officers Vacin and Corteguera responded to a complaint on US 27 near Stubbs Canal. The complaint was in reference to someone taking too many bass. The officers arrived on scene and observed a fisherman throwing a cast net into the fresh water. Upon contact with the individual and information gathered, Officer Vacin issued the individual a criminal notice to appear for possession of over the limit of black bass. He warned the individual for taking by illegal method and taking oversized black bass. Officer Vacin seized seven, dead black bass as evidence.

 

Officers Corteguera and Vacin were on patrol in the Port Everglades area when they received a call from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Their marine unit was requesting assistance with a vessel they were towing into the Port Everglades Inlet. The vessel had been operating inside the swimming area. Officer Corteguera administered blood alcohol tests and the individual was placed under arrest for BUI.  

 

Officer Brock was on patrol late into the early morning hours and stopped a vehicle for careless driving on the Florida Turnpike in the Pompano Beach area. He was backed up by Officer Corteguera. Blood alcohol tests were administered and the individual was placed under arrest for DUI.

 

GLADES COUNTY

 

Officers McLendon and Greene received a call from U.S. Sugar Corporation’s security in reference to a fuel and copper theft in process. The officers assisted Glades County Sheriff’s Office in the arrest of a subject driving a large truck containing several containers of dyed fuel matching that used by the sugar cane company. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered the fuel station still wet with dyed diesel on the outside and tire signs matching that of the suspect’s vehicle. Officer Greene interviewed the subject who was unable to provide a definitive answer as to why he was on the property. The driver was booked into Glades County Jail on trespass and theft.

 

 MARTIN COUNTY

 

When Officer Moss was driving underneath the Stuart Causeway, he noticed a red van parked against one of the columns. As he drove past the vehicle, he observed a subject standing outside the passenger window.  When the subject turned and made eye contact, he quickly bent down next to the van and came running up to the patrol truck. He quickly asked, “Do you know me? I live next to you.”  Officer Moss could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from him. Officer Moss then patted the defendant down for weapons and found a knife. He explained to the subject that he could smell marijuana and asked him where it was. The subject advised that he had thrown it under the van. Officer Moss advised the subject to sit on the tailgate and not to move. When approaching the van, Officer Moss heard the defendant yelling something. When he turned back around, the subject had gotten off the tailgate and was walking towards the van. Officer Moss instructed him to sit back down three times. He did not comply.  He then advised the defendant that he was going to be placed in handcuffs and that he needed to turn around and put his hands behind his back. The subject then ran and jumped back up on the tailgate of the truck. Officer Moss advised him that it was too late for that and that he needed to turn around with his hands behind his back, but he still would not comply.  Officer Moss drew his Taser and ordered him to the ground and was able to place handcuffs on him. After the subject was secured, Officer Moss was then able to retrieve the marijuana cigarette he threw underneath of the van. He was charged with possession of cannabis under 20 grams and resisting without violence.      

 

Officer Moss and Deputy Lunstead of Martin County Sheriff's Office were on water patrol when they observed a 20-foot boat overloaded with 13 people on board near Seawall's Point. The officers conducted a boating safety inspection on the vessel. When talking to the operator, a 16-year-old male, they could smell alcohol on his breath.   When asked where the alcohol was, he advised that he left the liquor at the sandbar but he had two open beers in the cooler.  After completing the safety inspection, the operator was issued a notice to appear for possession of alcohol by person under 21, and a citation for insufficient number of life jackets. He was also issued a warning for overloading his vessel with people. The two open beers were photographed and destroyed on scene. The operator of the vessel’s father was contacted and arrived on scene to tow his son’s vessel back to his home.  

 

PALM BEACH COUNTY

 

Officer Cobo responded to a USCG "Mayday call" from a buggy which was stuck on Trail 6 in Corbett WMA. The subject told the USCG to send the "Game Wardens" to help pull his buggy out of a mud hole he had driven into. He told the USCG he was with his wife, dog and child and did not want to swim due to the alligators. Officer Cobo, along with Officer Wright, responded and found the complainant walking down the road. He said he was given a ride from a Good Samaritan. When asked about securing his family, he stated "all I want is to get my buggy out of the mud." Further investigation revealed the complainant's child was a teenager and he was a “regular” in the Corbett WMA. Charges are pending for improper use of VHF while on land and giving a false "Mayday."

   

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

 

Officer Pifer and Investigator Turner were conducting fisheries inspections at a local fishing pier in Ft. Pierce when Officer Pifer came in contact with an individual in possession of three undersized sheepshead. While running the individual’s information, dispatch advised that the individual had an active warrant out of Osceola County, which they confirmed with the entering agency. At that time, the individual was placed under arrest for the active warrant and cited for possession of undersized sheepshead.

 

 

SOUTH REGION B

 

COLLIER COUNTY

 

While on patrol during the opening weekend of snook season, Investigator Haney and Officer Van Trees issued four misdemeanor citations, three infraction citations and 15 warnings.  The violations included having invalid or no fishing licenses and undersized redfish, trout, mackerel, snapper and triggerfish.

 

Investigator Haney and Officer Van Trees were on water patrol in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and observed a vessel operating carelessly with a passenger bow-riding.  They stopped the vessel and, during the safety inspection, noticed signs of impairment from the operator.  The operator was arrested for BUI.  The operator was also cited for careless operation of a vessel, having insufficient boating safety gear and refusal to submit to a breath alcohol test.

 

Lieutenant Caraker, Officer Futch and National Park Service Law Enforcement were successful when working together in the Big Cypress National Preserve to enforce regulatory laws and federal rules pertaining to the spring turkey season.  Both agencies made several public contacts and used the opportunity to educate the public.  Officers Caraker and Futch issued 15 warnings and one traffic citation.

 

Officers Polly and Thurkettle patrolled the Picayune Strand State Forest to enforce WMA and forestry regulations.  They also provided public safety patrols during the popular Swamp Buggy Races that were held nearby.  The officers were successful with proactive enforcement of the laws by making educational and regulatory contacts.  They issued 59 warnings and 12 citations.

 

MONROE COUNTY

 

Officer Mattson witnessed a 40-foot, triple-engine go-fast vessel run aground on protected sea grass flats in Lignumvitae Key State Park.  With the assistance of park management and a shallow-drafted skiff, Officer Mattson made it out to the grounded vessel and gathered their information along with a witness statement from the operator.  The following day, Officer McKay observed the extensive damages to the resource, and remained on scene as the vessel was being pulled free.  Officer McKay cited the operator for destruction of subsurface features in a state park.  A biological damage assessment was conducted by Department of Environmental Protection park staff and determined the restoration/restitution costs will amount to $35,000.  

 

Officer Steinmetz assisted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) with a body recovery under the Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo.  A MCSO Deputy responded to the Jewfish Creek Bridge in reference to a suspicious vehicle abandoned atop the bridge. The deputy then saw a body 70 feet below in the mangrove marsh.  Officer Steinmetz and the Monroe County Medical Examiner responded to the scene and recovered the body of the deceased victim. 

 

COPS (Community Oriented Policing)

 

Officer Dube assisted the Miami Seaquarium and FWC manatee staff with the release of a juvenile manatee named "Pilgrim" in Key Largo.  The injured manatee was recovered by FWC law enforcement after being struck by a vessel in the Upper Keys just before Thanksgiving Day.  The manatee suffered from a collapsed lung and broken ribs, and has spent the last four months at the Miami Seaquarium receiving treatment and rehabilitation before his release.