DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officers (CO) Brian Lasanen and Ethen Mapes were patrolling in Ontonagon County when they observed a vehicle that was having a difficult time maintaining its lane of travel. The COs observed the vehicle cross over the center line, and at one point was traveling in the wrong lane of traffic. A stop was made of the vehicle and contact was initiated with the driver. It was quickly observed that the subject had slurred speech, blood shot eyes and had a hard time finding his identification in his wallet. An investigation was initiated, and standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) were conducted on the subject. After failing the SFSTs and blowing a 0.17 on a preliminary breath test, the subject was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) and lodged in the Ontonagon County Jail.
CO Byron Parks was traveling on M 38 when he approached a bridge. There was a vehicle parked on the side of the bridge. CO Parks knew that this part of the Firesteel River was closed to fishing, so he pulled over. As CO Parks walked down towards the river, he could see two subjects holding fishing poles. The two subjects began walking further downstream, right past a "No Trespassing" sign. CO Parks continued to follow, eventually stopping, and just watching as both subjects started fishing. Moments later the two subjects started yelling, "Get out of here" and clapping their hands. CO Parks knew the subjects could not see him, so he did not know who they were talking to. Then he heard the subjects yell," Get out of here bear!" After about a minute the subjects stopped yelling and continued fishing. CO Parks then made contact, the subjects said there was a bear in the tree right where they were fishing, but they scared it off. CO Parks then advised them of the multiple violations. CO Parks cited one subject for fishing on a closed stream and gave verbal warnings for the recreational trespass.
CO Shannon Kritz received a complaint that an individual started a grass fire, resulting in 40 acres along with a structure being burned. CO Kritz patrolled to the location and observed that the fire had almost reached the neighbor's house, but the fire department was able to contain the fire on time. CO Kritz interviewed the suspect who explained that he was burning a brush pile and did not think it would catch the hay field on fire despite the county being under a very high fire danger warning. CO Kritz issued the subject a citation for burning without a permit.
CO Shannon Kritz responded to multiple grass fires in Menominee County over the weekend. CO Kritz investigated each grass fire to determine the cause of the fires. Due to the high fire danger, one fire began when a spark fell from a chimney onto a field while the occupants were making maple syrup. Another fire began while a subject was sighting in his rifle and he noticed the grass behind his target begin to smoke. CO Kritz investigated a third fire where the subject stated that the fire started because they were burning a cardboard box and it blew out of a fire pit. CO Kritz could see that the subject had a large pile of brush that they were burning on top of a fire pit with branches extending way past the borders of the fire pit. CO Kritz explained that on top of burning yard debris during a restricted fire permit day, garbage needs to be burned in a legal container. CO Kritz issued a citation to that individual for failing to prevent the spread of a fire. In each circumstance, local and state fire departments were able to respond quickly and put out the fires before any major structures were damaged or people injured.
CO Boudreaux took part in the St. Baldrick's fundraiser for childhood cancer research alongside MSP troopers from the Negaunee Post. The participants raised hundreds of dollars and held up their end of the bargain by getting their heads shaved.
DISTRICT 2
CO Andrea Dani was approached by an angler with a large steelhead. The angler was concerned about several large masses found in and around the gills of the fish. CO Dani sent photographs of the fish to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division, who identified the masses as thyroid hyperplasia, or goiters, which is associated with numerous factors, including iodine deficiency, genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and exposure to goitrogenic substances. Fish Biologist Cory Kovacs noted this did not make the fish harmful to eat, but that anglers should be aware of other potential risks in eating any fish whether there are visible abnormalities or not.
CO Andrea Dani was on patrol on a windy day when she observed a constructed ice shack in the lane of traffic on Sand Point Road. A few anglers pushed the shack out of the road. CO Dani contacted the owner and arranged its removal.
CO Todd Sumbera was checking ice anglers on the St. Mary's River over the weekend and contacted an individual with an unlicensed off-road vehicle (ORV) pulling a jet sled with blood in it. The angler stated that he caught one pike and took it back to camp when he had left for lunch. A warning was issued for the ORV license. The next day CO Sumbera contacted the same individual operating his ORV back to his vehicle when his belongings fell out of his jet sled. Upon arrival the angler quicky covered his jet sled with plywood. CO Sumbera asked if he had any luck fishing. The angler stated, "I saw a lot of fish." Further investigating revealed that the angler had speared five pike. CO Sumbera issued a citation for an overlimit of pike and seized three pike, all over 30 inches in length.
CO Mike Olesen followed up on a complaint of a loon and goose carcasses dumped along the side of a road in Chippewa County. CO Olesen patrolled the area, contacting the complainant and then locating the carcasses. Upon examining the dumped bird remains, it was determined that four of the five carcasses were of domestic chickens and the final carcass was that of a domestic duck. CO Olesen cleared the scene and is checking the area for a potential suspect for littering.
CO Cole VanOosten was on patrol in Mackinac County when he observed an angler with several tip-ups out. As CO VanOosten approached, he observed five tip-ups around where the individual was fishing. When asked to see his fishing license the fisherman stated. "Fishing license? I don't need a fishing license." The fisherman stated that the state had no power over him, and he could do whatever he wants. The individual admitted to having five tip-ups out as well as jigging a pole in another hole. The fisherman stated that he was part of a "non-treaty" tribe from Canada that did not sign the 1836 Treaty. CO VanOosten informed him that he was in the 1836 treaty area and had to follow state law unless a member of one of the recognized tribes of the 1836 treaty. A license check determined that the individual did have a Michigan fishing license. When asked why he did not provide his fishing license the individual laughed and stated he always does that just to be difficult. A citation was issued for fishing more than three lines, no name/address on tip-up, and failing to provide fishing license on demand of a conservation officer.
CO Cole VanOosten was on patrol when a call of an individual with a possible heart attack was called out near his location. CO VanOosten was first on scene and provided first aid until emergency medical services (EMS) was able to arrive.
DISTRICT 3
CO Chad Baldwin observed an ice shanty set up on Lake Charlevoix in an area typically only frequented by walleye anglers during the walleye closure. CO Baldwin witnessed the anglers checking tip-ups multiple times throughout the evening and decided to wait until the anglers returned to shore before making contact. Once the anglers returned, CO Baldwin found them in possession of a walleye. A ticket was issued for taking walleye during the closed season.
CO Tim Rosochacki received a complaint from a subject who was walking his property and discovered a juvenile eagle unable to fly and not acting right. CO Rosochacki responded and was able to collect the eagle and take it to the Association to Rescue Critters Wildlife Rehabilitator. The eagle appeared in decent health, but the rehabilitator suspected the eagle was suffering from lead poisoning. Hopefully, it will make a full recovery.
CO Tim Rosochacki was the first on the scene of a semi-truck accident in Gaylord. The driver had suffered an apparent medical emergency while driving and struck a closed business. Upon arrival, CO Rosochacki began life-saving measures on the driver with assistance from another first responder. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was deployed, and aid was provided until emergency medical services arrived on the scene.
CO Tom Oberg was on patrol when he noticed an ORV operating on a snowmobile trail section that was closed to ORVs. CO Oberg made a traffic stop on the ORV and contacted the operator. After making contact, CO Oberg realized he had stopped the same driver and ORV a few days prior for operating at an excessive speed on the shoulder of a road and was let off with a warning. CO Oberg explained to the operator that the trail he was on was closed to ORVs and pointed to the sign that the rider had just passed that stated, "No ORVs". A ticket was issued to the operator.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz assisted the Montmorency County Sheriff's Department with a home invasion and domestic assault in progress. CO Liestenfeltz and a Montmorency County Sheriff's deputy arrived on scene and discovered the suspect had fled the area. The victim was uninjured, and the suspect was unable to be located. The investigation is ongoing and being handled by the Montmorency Count Sheriff's Department.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz assisted the Montmorency County Sheriff's Department with a vehicle that had caught fire while driving down the road. CO Liestenfeltz performed traffic control while the fire department extinguished the fire. No one was injured in the incident.
CO Sidney Collins was on patrol in Montmorency County when a lost dog was found at an ORV parking area. CO Collins responded to the parking area and found the dog to be laying in a pile of food. It appears the dog had escaped its owner earlier in the day, found the food, ate too much, and laid down. CO Collins was able to locate the owner and return the dog.
CO Sidney Collins assisted DNR fire personal finding a wildfire in Montmorency County. Once the fire was found, CO Collins and the DNR fire supervisor noticed the landowners were very out of breath and did not look medically well. The ambulance was unable to respond back to the remote cabin, so CO Collins transported a patient to the ambulance where she was treated and released.
CO Sheppard responded to reports of a large fire burning in Alpena County. Burning was currently prohibited. When CO Sheppard arrived, he contacted two people who were operating tractors to push debris into the fire. CO Sheppard spoke to the landowner. CO Sheppard advised him that burning was prohibited at that time due to dry conditions. CO Sheppard further instructed the subject how to look up the burn status on the DNR website. CO Sheppard issued a ticket for burning without a permit.
CO Jessie Curtis had received a complaint of a brush fire in Alpena County that was unattended on a day when burn permits were not being issued. CO Curtis responded to the location and after locating the landowner, issued a ticket for burning without a permit and a warning for leaving the fire unattended.
DISTRICT 4
CO Patrick McManus was first on scene to a house fire in Leelanau County, and was told by neighbors that there may be people trapped inside. After assessing the structure, itself and learning the fire was currently contained to one side of the house, CO McManus gained entry through the front door and called out for anyone inside. Shortly before CO McManus began searching the house, another neighbor arrived on scene and stated that the family was currently on vacation out of the state, and not in the home. At that time, local fire departments arrived on scene, made entry into the house to confirm it was empty, and extinguished the fire.
COs Richard Stowe and Troy Ludwig investigated a possible over-limit of bobcats. The COs gained a confession, seized two bobcat pelts, and issued a citation for taking/possessing an over-limit of bobcats.
CO Amanda McCurdy was on patrol and received a complaint through Leelanau County Central Dispatch of a large brush fire that escaped control. CO McCurdy responded to the scene where Cedar and Leland Township Fire Departments were actively working to extinguish the fire. CO McCurdy conducted interviews of the neighbors to determine how the fire started and who was responsible. Eventually she contacted a nearby property owner who stated he started the fire to boil sap and it accidentally escaped his control. A citation was issued to the individual for allowing a fire to escape and CO McCurdy explained the process to check if burn permits are open for a particular area.
CO Ben Shively was requested by Hesperia Fire Department on an illegal burn in Oceana County. CO Shively interviewed the subject who had been burning brush on family property when the fire escaped his control and spread, burning two to three acres of a field. The subject was cited for allowing fire to escape control and given a warning for burning during fire ban.
DISTRICT 5
CO Brad Bellville received a third-party call that a person hiking in the Rifle River Recreation Area with some friends had broken her ankle. After arriving in the park, CO Bellville located the injured female and started working on a plan to extract her from the woods. Utilizing a canvas stretcher, CO Bellville, a park ranger, and two family friends carried the injured woman cross country to the nearest parking lot where she was turned over to EMS personnel.
CO Kyle Bader was dispatched to a trespassing complaint in Ogemaw County. The complainant stated two men were on his property climbing in his trees; one had a crossbow, and one had a rifle. CO Bader arrived at the complainant's address to find him standing in his yard with a drink in one hand and an aluminum baseball bat in the other, staring up at the trees. The man was certain two young men were in the tree with weapons, and they might try to hurt him. After convincing the man to put the bat down and stand back, CO Bader checked all eight of the large oak and white pine trees in the man's yard and assured him there were no trespassers. The man grew irate with CO Bader and threw his drink down as the CO left. In less than five minutes, he called 911 again reporting men in his trees. CO Bader and Ogemaw County Deputy Viviano responded back to the man's yard, where he again had his baseball bat. They convinced the man to put down the bat but could not convince him there was no one in the trees. The man grabbed a chain saw and said he was going to cut down the tree. The officers divided his attention and removed the saw from the area. The man-made physical threats to whomever was in the trees, as well as to both officers. CO Bader and Deputy Viviano decided the man needed to be evaluated by medical staff. He was detained and turned over to Ogemaw County EMS Authority.
CO Charlie Jones was patrolling in Kalkaska County when a grass fire was reported just off US 131 in Boardman Township. On arrival, CO Jones observed less than a quarter of an acre of grass on fire. Fire units arrived on scene. The fire was suppressed without further incident. The homeowner was educated on fire safety.
CO Charlie Jones was on patrol in Kalkaska County, Garfield Township when a field fire was dispatched. CO Jones arrived on scene to see a hayfield in flames. It was roughly one acre in size upon his arrival. The homeowner and CO Jones successfully stopped the fire from reaching the red pines nearby. Fire units arrived on scene and suppressed the fire. Approximately two and a half acres of hay field were burned. Spring fire safety was discussed with the homeowner.
DISTRICT 6
CO Gowenlock was patrolling the Au Sable State Forest in Midland County on a nice sunny day. The CO turned down a closed ORV trail to see if there had been any recent activity. While back at the turn around, the sounds of an ATV rapidly approaching could be heard. As the operator came around the last bend in the two-track he was abruptly met by CO Gowenlock. The operator was contacted and asked if he could be on this trail. The subject stated that he did not know but admitted to seeing the red sign at the entrance of the two-track. CO Gowenlock asked the subject what the sign said, and the subject hung his head saying "No ORVs". CO Gowenlock issued the subject a citation for his violation.
COs Seth Rhodea and Kyle Bucholtz were patrolling in western Huron County when a call was received that a fishing shanty was on fire at the Mud Creek boat launch. CO Bucholtz observed the owner information visible on the shanty and was familiar with the owner. The COs were able to locate the shanty owner a short time later. The owner of the shanty ultimately admitted to setting the shanty on fire because he did not want it any longer. The owner was directed to clean up the remains of the shanty and a report is being submitted to the prosecutor's office for review.
DISTRICT 7
CO Zach Bauer was on patrol when he received a complaint from the RAP Hotline of anglers snagging near the Niles Dam. CO Bauer responded to the location and located two anglers in a restricted area near the dam. Further investigation revealed neither angler had a fishing license. A citation was issued to both anglers.
CO Zach Bauer was on patrol when he located three anglers fishing in a restricted area near the Niles Dam. As CO Bauer was observing them, one angler grabbed a net and began attempting to net steelhead jumping up the spillway. CO Bauer contacted the anglers and only one had a valid fishing license. A citation was issued for the violation.
COs Travis Dragomer and Zach Bauer conducted a patrol upon Lake Michigan and observed a vessel fishing for salmon with more than the allowed three fishing lines per person. A citation was issued for the violation.
COs Matt Page and Zach Bauer patrolled a closed stream in Van Buren County observing three individuals fishing the closed Type 1 trout stream. While contacting an individual, CO Page immediately recognized him as someone who has been issued citations on multiple occasions in the same section of the trout stream. Upon asking for an identification, the individual stated he did not have one and gave a fictitious name. When asked why the tattoo on his neck said a different name, knowing that was in fact the individual's name, the individual stated the tattoo was in honor of his nephew. CO Page advised the subject that he would have one more chance to be honest before additional charges were tacked on and then recited the individuals full name from memory before the subject changed his mind and cooperated. Three citations were issued to the individuals fishing the trout stream. Additionally, if convicted, the individual will have been convicted three times in a five-year period and a report will be forwarded to the prosecutor's office for a license revocation.
While patrolling Type 1 streams in Van Buren County, COs Tyler Cole and Jeff Robinette checked an area and observed a subject standing alongside a closed section of stream with a fishing pole in his hand. Upon contact with the subject, it was found that there was no hook or line attached to his pole. While talking with the subject, a second subject was spotted in a culvert underneath the road. This subject did have a fishing pole with hook and line attached and attempted to conceal his pole among the rocks. After advising him that he was already seen with the pole, he retrieved it and was issued a citation for possessing fishing gear along a closed stream. Both subjects admitted to knowing the stream was closed.
CO Jeff Robinette obtained an arrest warrant from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office about an illegally taken deer from the 2020 deer season. The subject had shot an 11-point deer prior to purchasing a license and had posted pictures of the deer on social media. Charges include taking a deer without a license and failing to immediately validate and attach a kill-tag. The case is currently in court pending a plea from the defendant.
CO Jeff Robinette obtained an arrest warrant from the Cass County Prosecutor's Office about an illegally taken deer from the 2020 deer season. The subject had shot a 7-point deer prior to purchasing a license and had posted pictures of the deer on social media. Charges include taking a deer without a license and purchasing a hunting license without taking hunter safety. The case is currently in court pending a plea from the defendant.
Plainclothes COs from District 7 Area 3 were utilized to patrol the Grand River near 6th Street Dam in Grand Rapids to address recent complaints. Over the course of a few patrols, citations were issued for retain foul hooked fish and possessions of over-limit of steelhead.
CO Justin Ulberg received a complaint of an individual fishing a closed trout stream in Kent County. CO Ulberg was able to get into a position to view the angler fishing. While observing the angler, CO Ulberg noted that the angler appeared to be young and did not appear to be trying to snag any of the steelhead. CO Ulberg eventually contacted the angler, who was surprised to learn that the stream was closed to fishing. CO Ulberg educated the 16-year-old on why the stream was closed and recommended some local streams and rivers that were open to fishing.
CO Robert Slick patrolled through Bass River Recreation Area multiple times and made many positive contacts. Along with those contacts, CO Slick made multiple stops of ORVs and vehicles in areas not posted open. Several tickets were issued for the violations.
CO Anna Cullen was checking vessels on the White River in Muskegon County. CO Cullen completed a marine check and found the vessel was missing a fire extinguisher, personal floatation devices (PFDs), and one angler did not have a fishing license after admitting to fishing. A citation was issued for not having the proper PFDs on the vessel.
CO Anna Cullen was dispatched to an ice rescue in Muskegon State Park in Muskegon County. CO Cullen responded to learn that a family was hiking in the area, when all members fell through the ice. CO Cullen responded with fire and EMS to assist in getting the family to safety.
CO Anna Cullen was checking vessels at night on the Muskegon River. CO Cullen observed a vessel with no navigational lights operating on the water. It was over an hour past sunset. A citation was issued for operating a vessel with no navigation lights.
CO Anna Cullen assisted local emergency response agencies with a fatal house and structure fire in Muskegon County. CO Cullen assisted with directing people and traffic out of the area, while avoiding downed power lines.
COs Jackie Miskovich and Anna Cullen along with a Muskegon County Deputy, participated in ice rescue training with North Muskegon Fire Department and Muskegon Township Fire Department. During the training COs Miskovich and Cullen along with the Deputy donned float suits and practiced maneuvering around on the ice, breaking holes in the ice, and then trying different ways to get out. They also got to ride in the hovercraft the fire department had out on the ice. This training was very informational and very useful.
COs Jackie Miskovich and Anna Cullen presented to the Cub Scouts of Ravenna where the COs talked about outdoor safety and fire building. COs Miskovich and Cullen observed the shelters that the Cub Scouts had made and then taught the Cub Scouts how to make a fire. COs Miskovich and Cullen used a cotton ball covered in Vaseline as their base and then constructed a little fire. After demonstrating for them, the Cub Scouts paired up and made their own little fires using cotton balls, Vaseline, and flint. Each group was able to successfully make a fire.
CO Jackie Miskovich observed some dirt bikes riding around a property that had been illegally riding in the roadway prior. CO Miskovich parked around the corner in case the individuals decided to ride on the road again. After a while, CO Miskovich heard the dirt bikes take off down the road in the opposite direction. CO Miskovich followed the tracks but lost them down some side roads. CO Miskovich decided to head back to the house where the dirt bikes came from to wait for them there at which time they pulled back out of the driveway and onto the road again. CO Miskovich stopped the dirt bikes and issued citations to both drivers for not having ORV licenses and permits. She gave warnings for riding where they were not permitted to ride.
CO Jackie Miskovich was patrolling on Apple Avenue when she noticed some ORVs duck into a parcel of Consumers property that she has received multiple complaints about for the ORV traffic that goes through it. CO Miskovich got around to the other side of the property and was able to stop the individuals. Citations were issued to both individuals for ORV trespass.
CO Jackie Miskovich was patrolling the Muskegon State Game Area (SGA) when she noticed an individual target shooting in a closed area. CO Miskovich observed the individual shooting and patching his target and then made contact. The individual was standing approximately 20 feet from a "No Target Shooting" sign. CO Miskovich informed the individual that he was not to shoot where he was as it is a safety hazard and that is why the signs are there. A citation was issued to the individual for target shooting in a closed area.
CO Jackie Miskovich was patrolling along Lake Michigan when she received a call that White Lake Fire would like her assistance at a fire. After arriving on scene, CO Miskovich learned that the resident had been burning a couch which resulted in starting his grass and part of his woods on fire. CO Miskovich also observed other non-burnable items in the fire, like copper tubes and CO2 canisters. CO Miskovich made the resident aware that there was currently a burn ban in place due to the area being so dry; she also advised him that he was not to burn a couch and the other items. CO Miskovich issued a citation to the individual for open burning of solid waste and gave a warning for improper disposal of solid waste.
CO Jackie Miskovich was patrolling towards a parcel of Manistee National Forest when she noticed four dirt bikes headed into the forest roads. CO Miskovich caught up with the individuals and was able to stop two of the four bikes. Neither bike had an ORV license or permit, and the individuals were not wearing helmets. A citation was issued for no ORV license and warnings were given for no helmets and for riding in an area not permitted.
COs Casey Varriale and Justin Ulberg received a complaint about a person snagging fish at 6th Street Dam in Kent County. The COs were at a nearby outlook and witnessed the suspect snag a steelhead and place it in a net. The steelhead was hooked in the back and should have been immediately released back into the water. The COs interviewed the suspect, and he quickly admitted to snagging the fish and keeping it. The suspect was issued a citation for possessing a foul hooked fish and the fish was confiscated for evidence.
CO Casey Varriale was on patrol at 6th Street Dam in Kent County where he witnessed several individuals snagging steelhead near the fish ladder. CO Varriale noticed a suspect catch four steelhead. The suspect gave two of the steelhead to another individual and kept two for himself. Although the fish he kept were all hooked in the mouth, the suspect possessed more than the daily limit allowed. CO Varriale contacted the suspect and the suspect stated he did not know the fish he gave away were counted in his daily possession limit. The suspect was issued a verbal warning and agreed to clean up the shoreline in lieu of receiving a citation.
CO Casey Varriale was on patrol in the Rogue River SGA in Kent County where he discovered a mattress, box spring, and bags of household trash scattered in a parking area. CO Varriale dug through the trash and located discarded amazon packages with the suspect's information. CO Varriale visited the residence and interviewed the suspect. The suspect quickly blamed her boyfriend for dumping the trash in the state game area. CO Varriale contacted the boyfriend, and he quickly confessed to dumping the trash in the state game area. The suspects agreed to clean up the trash in lieu of receiving a citation.
CO Carter Woodwyk was patrolling the Allegan SGA in an area of problem off-road vehicle use. He followed the sound of a truck revving its engine and came upon a pipeline where a blockade was recently moved. He followed the tracks and sound down the pipeline and located two vehicles up against another blockade. The area had been blocked repeatedly by Wildlife Division staff to keep vehicles from operating off-road and destroying sensitive habitat. In addition to the off-road violations, CO Woodwyk discovered multiple motor vehicle code violations including operating without insurance, operating on a suspended license, and operating without registration. Additionally, one of the subjects had two warrants out of Allegan County and another subject was in violation of probation conditions. Citations were issued for the state land violations and the Allegan County Sheriff's Department assisted with lodging on the warrants.
CO Kyle McQueer was patrolling Barry County when he observed a vehicle driving recklessly behind him. The driver tail-gated him, conducted an improper pass, and continued at a high rate of speed. CO McQueer conducted a traffic stop and the vehicle initially pulled over and stopped. After several seconds, the driver accelerated and fled at a high rate of speed. CO McQueer called out a vehicle pursuit with Barry County Central Dispatch and pursued the vehicle at a safe distance for approximately 10 minutes until the driver was out of sight. CO McQueer followed tracks in the road to a location where the driver lost control and hit an embankment. The driver then fled on foot before he arrived. After a perimeter was set up with the MSP and the Barry County Sheriff's Department, an MSP K-9 unit followed a track until it ended at a pool shed behind a house. While searching the shed, an MSP trooper grabbed a grill cover to move it and subsequently grabbed the suspects head underneath. The suspect was lodged at the Barry County jail for Flee and Elude, Resist and Obstruct, Driving While License Suspended, Reckless Driving, and an alcohol violation. The suspect also had four confirmed misdemeanor warrants out for his arrest.
CO Chris Holmes was on patrol in the City of Kalamazoo when he overhead radio traffic of a shooting that just occurred in a city park. He had driven by the park earlier and made note of a vehicle that looked suspicious. He relayed this vehicle information to the local police and stayed in the area. A short time later another shooting was reported, and the vehicle described matched the vehicle he observed in the park. He patrolled closer to the area of the second shooting and observed the same vehicle he saw at the park. He followed the vehicle and notified the city police of his location. The suspect then started to drive erratically in an apparent effort to evade him so he attempted a traffic stop. The suspect fled at a high rate of speed and drove recklessly through several intersections crowded with pedestrians. CO Holmes immediately terminated the pursuit and called out the vehicle description and direction. A short time later, the same vehicle was located abandoned near a school and a K-9 officer was called. A local officer stopped a subject on foot nearby who also happened to be on the phone with the 911 dispatch center trying to report the abandoned vehicle as stolen. A K-9 officer tracked from the abandoned vehicle door directly to the subject out with the officer. A loaded high capacity MP5 rifle was located in the vehicle along with spent casings. The subject was arrested on several felonies including the Flee and Elude and weapons offenses.
CO Sam Schluckbier received a complaint of four scrap tires dumped at a DNR access site on the Kalamazoo River. Upon arrival, CO Schluckbier found an Amazon shipping label stuck to one of the tires with a name and address of a subject less than a mile away. The subject was interviewed and cited for dumping the tires on public property.
COs Sam Schluckbier and Rich Cardenas conducted a covert fishing patrol in response to recent complaints of snagging on the Kalamazoo River. Posing as an angler, CO Cardenas was able to locate and observe two subjects consistently snagging fish while CO Schluckbier watched from the opposite riverbank. Once the subjects began to pack up, CO Schluckbier contacted them and found them in possession of 26 fish. While interviewing the subjects, CO Schluckbier obtained confessions to keeping foul hooked fish. One of the steelhead illegally caught had a treble hook still lodged in its belly. The illegal fish were confiscated, and citations were issued to both individuals for the violations. One of the individuals cited has 14 prior hunting and fishing violations.
DISTRICT 8
CO John Byars responded to a brush fire in the Waterloo State Recreation Area. The fire started on private property next to state land and spread eastward very rapidly. Local fire departments responded and assisted in putting out the fire. DNR Forest Resources Division also arrived with specialized equipment. The Forestry officer estimated approximately 30 acres were burnt or charred. The investigation is still pending.
CO Pete Purdy was patrolling Livingston County when a vehicle approached him at a high rate of speed and began tailgating his patrol truck. The vehicle then passed CO Purdy and continued traveling at a high rate of speed. CO Purdy stopped the vehicle and discovered the driver was on probation for aggravated assault, with one of the probation conditions being that he was not to violate any laws. The driver was issued a citation for careless driving.
COs Ed Rice and Chris Reynolds conducted several interviews related to suspicious 2020 deer license purchases. The COs were able to obtain confessions during interviews and evidence was seized. Reports will be submitted to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office seeking multiple charges for loan and borrow license.
CO Larn R. Strawn received a RAP complaint of a subject who posted a comment about shooting a woodpecker with a BB gun on a community Facebook page. CO Strawn was able locate the address and identity of the individual. CO Strawn discovered the person made the comments because he was frustrated that a woodpecker was nesting in a tree in his yard. The woodpecker had drilled a large hole in the tree and the person wanted to discourage the woodpecker from finishing the nest and possibly killing the tree. CO Strawn advised the person of several alternate methods of scaring away the woodpecker. The individual said they had not shot at the woodpecker. CO Strawn found no evidence of shots being fired from a BB gun.
CO Jason McCullough swore to a warrant for a subject who had dumped tires in several locations around Calhoun County. The subject was cleaning up a property that was the site of a former go-kart track that had nearly 1,200 tires on it. The subject had rented a U-Haul truck to dispose of the tires in multiple locations. A break came in the case when CO McCullough got the U-Haul on a trail camera that had been deployed for a separate investigation. CO McCullough worked with multiple local agencies who had received complaints of tire dumping during the same period. CO McCullough is currently working with a local group to arrange pick up of the remaining tires.
CO Nick Wellman came across a brush fire that was out of control and heading towards a large field of CRP grass. CO Wellman contacted the local fire department for assistance and, using a shovel and his fire extinguisher, stopped the flames from getting to the neighbor's property until the fire department arrived and soaked the area.
DISTRICT 9
Checking a local spot for fishing, CO Ariel Young observed several anglers enjoying the nice weather and attempting to catch some fish. CO Young contacted several anglers before talking to the last angler at this location. Upon contact, CO Young observed that the individual was attempting to pack their gear and take pictures of the surrounding area. CO Young talked to the angler about the day's fishing adventure and other local places this angler has been fishing. CO Young then asked the angler for their fishing license and they stated they did not have one. CO Young instructed the angler to finish packing their gear and they would head up to the truck. Once at the patrol truck, CO Young learned the angler had previously purchased a fishing license but had not done so for the last fishing season or the new one starting soon. CO Young then issued a citation for fishing without a fishing license and began explaining the citation to the individual who became very argumentative and demanding they get a warning instead. CO Young explained that the individual knew they needed a fishing license as they had purchased licenses before. The individual then became irate and stated that they did not feel they needed to purchase a fishing license as they did not fish very often. CO Young then explained that it did not matter how often they went fishing but that the law states they need to have one to enjoy the resources of the state. The individual continued to complain that they were not going to purchase a fishing license to fish in places that were trashed and had garbage lying around. The individual then told CO Young to go pick up the garbage and to "Get a real job." CO Young explained to the individual that she was not in charge of picking up after the anglers and that the anglers needed to pack out what they packed in. The individual stated they would see CO Young in court.
After learning of a complaint that one of her partners received, CO Ariel Young patrolled out near an area where frequent over-limits of perch had been happening. CO Young contacted multiple anglers who had small successes finding the fish. One individual was getting ready to leave when CO Young contacted them. CO Young asked the individual how the fishing was, and they replied that they had done well with 23 fish. After counting out the individual's fish, CO Young found that they were in possession of more perch than they were allowed in a day. The fish were seized and photographed for evidence before being gifted to one of the other anglers who was not having much luck. The individual was cited for possessing an over limit of perch.
While out on marine patrol of the Detroit River, COs Dave Schaumburger and Ariel Young contacted many anglers who were finding great success. Some anglers were catching near their limits of perch and other anglers were finding great sized walleye jigging down the river. Several minor marine violation warnings were given during the patrol. One of the boaters contacted was issued a citation for expired registration. CO Young asked the individual when the last time they attempted to register the boat was and they told CO Young they registered the boat when they bought it a few years ago but had not renewed it since.
CO Jaime Salisbury was checking anglers at a fishing site when he heard a call about a heroin overdose with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in progress. CO Salisbury was only a couple miles away from the scene, so he cleared the fishing site and responded to the overdose. Upon arrival CO Salisbury found a man lying on the floor not breathing and completely purple. CO Salisbury administered a dose of NARCAN nasal spray. A pulse was very difficult to feel so CO Salisbury placed his AED on the man. No shock was given and by the time the AED was done evaluating the patient his breathing had started again and a strong pulse was easily located. After about 10 minutes the man regained consciousness and sat up as EMS arrived on scene. He refused treatment and EMS and CO Salisbury left the scene.
COs Jaime Salisbury and Raymond Gardner assisted the Special Investigation Unit in performing an interview about selling wild game meat by a local deer processing facility. A confession to selling the meat was obtained and charges are being sought through the Lapeer County Prosecutor's Office.
COs Kris Kiel and Brad Silorey checked a good number of shore anglers on Harsens Island. While CO Kiel was checking one angler's license and fish, he observed the next angler down the line dump his bucket and start to count his fish. CO Kiel recounted the subject's fish and found that he was four yellow perch over his limit. After issuing the citation, the subject told CO Kiel that he had just gotten caught, with one over the limit, three days prior.
COs Brad Silorey and Kris Kiel were on patrol checking marinas in Macomb County for both shore and boat anglers. Shortly after pulling into a private marina, COs Kiel and Silorey spotted several anglers who were fishing on the docks. CO Silorey dropped off CO Kiel to check the first angler while he drove down to the next angler. When CO Silorey parked and walked through the line of winterized boats, he observed the angler he came to speak with was franticly sprinting down towards CO Kiel. CO Silorey walked down to meet the anglers down at CO Kiel's location. One of the anglers stated that "I'll be honest, I am probably over, I haven't sorted yet." COs Silorey and Kiel counted the angler's fish, and as they were counting, one angler was slamming his fishing gear in anger and yelling metaphors about his predicament. While one angler was under his limit of yellow perch by one, the other was in possession of 42 yellow perch, 17 over daily possession limit. The subject that was over-limit received a citation for possessing over the daily limit of yellow perch.
COs Brad Silorey and Kris Kiel were patrolling Harsens Island checking shore anglers. CO Silorey contacted one angler who was quickly loading his bucket and pole into his vehicle. Just before the man got into his vehicle, CO Silorey asked to see what he had caught and to see his fishing license. The angler showed CO Silorey his license and quickly tipped his bucket to show CO Silorey his fish. CO Silorey advised the angler that he needed a better look at the fish and took the bucket out to count the fish. As soon as CO Silorey began to count, the angler let out a big sigh. CO Silorey asked the angler for his identification as he was over limit on yellow perch by five fish. As CO Silorey was retrieving the angler's identification, another angler walked over that was with the first angler. When asked how many fish he had caught, the second angler abruptly stated "I don't know! They are over there!" CO Silorey paused for a moment and looked at the man, then walked over to his bucket. The second angler was over limit of yellow perch by six fish. Citations were issued to both anglers for possession of an over-limit of yellow perch.
CO Bob Watson was patrolling the Port Huron SGA when he observed a vehicle that had driven into the game area through a guard rail, which had been removed, and parked alongside the river. CO Watson issued a citation for parking in a no parking area and a warning for entering/occupying the state game area in a motor vehicle.
CO Bob Watson witnessed a driver pass another vehicle in a no passing zone. CO Watson conducted a traffic stop on the driver and discovered the vehicle lacked insurance, lacked registration, and the driver lacked a driver's license. CO Watson was assisted by the Port Huron Police Department and the vehicle was towed. The driver was issued a citation for driving without a license and a warning was given for the lack of insurance, registration, and traffic infraction.
While returning from ORV patrol, CO Joseph Deppen saw a vehicle driving erratically and speeding ahead of him. CO Deppen used radar and the subject was driving 98 mph in a 70-mph zone. As CO Deppen conducted a traffic stop the vehicle sped up and was clocked at 106 mph in a 70 mph. The driver was finally pulled over and claimed he was cut-off by another driver, and he had a bad day. His day did not improve when CO Deppen gave him a verbal warning on careless driving but issued him a citation for speeding 106 mph in a 70 mph.
CO Joseph Deppen was patrolling on his ORV in Macomb County when he encountered an ORV trespassing along a local railroad and onto Consumers Energy property. CO Deppen conducted a traffic stop on an adjacent piece of property. The subject was issued a citation for ORV trespass.
CO Joseph Deppen conducted a traffic stop outside Wetzel Recreation Area. The side-by-side was operating illegally on a roadway and had no ORV stickers. The driver was given a warning on operating on a roadway but was issued a citation for no ORV stickers.
CO Brandon Hartleben was patrolling along the Huron River in Ypsilanti when he observed a vehicle in front of him swerve around a vehicle stopped at the stop light, travel into the turn lane, then proceed through the red light at the intersection. CO Hartleben activated his emergency lights and sirens and was able to stop the vehicle a short while later. When contacted, the driver indicated that he was in a hurry and that the light "just" turned red. CO Hartleben informed the operator he saw the red light and the vehicle that was stopped at it that the operator swerved around to get through the intersection and that it did not "just" turn red. A citation was issued for disobeying a traffic signal and warnings were issued for the improper lane usage and reckless operation.
CO Brandon Hartleben conducted follow-up on a repeat offender using an E-Bike on the DTE Energy Trail in the Waterloo State Recreation Area. CO Hartleben received a recent video from the park manager showing the subject using his E-Bike on the trail in violation of the posted no E-Bike use and the temporary trail closure for erosion control. CO Hartleben had verbally warned the suspect in September of 2020 for the same offense. CO Hartleben contacted the suspect at his residence, and he indicated that he was just out checking trail conditions. CO Hartleben informed the subject that the trail was still closed to E-Bikes and was currently closed to all bicycles for erosion control. A citation was issued for using an area when posted against along with a written trespass warning.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was checking anglers at Sterling State Park when he observed a vessel traveling at greater than slow no wake in a slow no wake zone. CO Ingersoll contacted the vessel owner, and it was determined that he also failed to provide enough PFDs on his vessel for the number of occupants. CO Ingersoll cited the individual for not having adequate PFDs on his vessel and warned him for the slow no wake violation.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was patrolling back roads checking for activity when he observed the remnants of a bathroom remodel. While looking through the debris, a name and address were located on one of the boxes. CO Ingersoll contacted the suspect who advised that she paid her boyfriend's brother to remodel her bathroom and he disposed of the debris. After talking with the boyfriend's brother and listening to his lies, CO Ingersoll advised him to meet him at the location where the debris was and to clean it up. CO Ingersoll never provided the individual with the exact location, and when CO Ingersoll arrived at the debris site, the debris was cleaned up. The suspect advised that he lied and did dump the debris and knew where it was located. CO Ingersoll issued him a citation for littering and the debris was cleaned out of the ditch.
CO Brandon Vacek conducted a patrol of the DTE "hot ponds" in Monroe County. The CO checked a group of anglers who did not know the number of panfish in their possession at the time. After dumping the five-gallon bucket to count the fish, a very small largemouth bass was mixed in with numerous panfish. The anglers admitted to having no knowledge of what type of fish it was, the legal-size limit, or the possession season. The angler was issued a citation for possession of an undersized largemouth bass and given a verbal warning for possession out of season.
During a patrol at Belle Isle, CO Ariel Young observed two individuals walking across the old zoo on the island which is closed to the public. CO Young had her partner, CO Dave Schaumburger, meet her near the area to attempt to find the individuals. Once inside the zoo, the COs quickly located the pair and made contact. One of the individuals admitted to knowing the zoo was posted and that they were not supposed to be in there. Both individuals were cited for entering the posted property.
After completing a Belle Isle shift, CO Ariel Young was attempting to leave the island when she observed a driver nearly collide with several vehicles before making a 90-degree left turn at a red traffic light, again nearly causing an accident. CO Young initiated her emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. After contacting the occupants of the vehicle, it was determined that the driver was not in possession of a United States driver's license. CO Young cited the individual for disobeying the traffic light with warnings for failing to carry their driver's license and for nearly causing multiple accidents. A properly licensed individual then swapped seats with the driver and they were sent on their way.
While on Belle Isle, CO Danielle Zubek received a complaint about a burgundy car driving recklessly on pedestrian bridges. CO Zubek responded to the area and spoke with some park rangers close by. The rangers advised that the suspect vehicle was a burgundy Tesla and was seen leaving the area. CO Zubek searched the island for the vehicle described. CO Zubek found a vehicle matching the description parked on a bridge sidewalk near Lakeside Drive and Woodside Drive. A traffic stop was conducted, and a citation issued.
While on patrol at Belle Isle, COs Danielle Zubek and Keven Luther spotted several people in the old zoo property. The COs searched the area and found two individuals and a dog. The individuals were escorted out of the zoo property. Citations were issued to both individuals.
Great Lakes Enforcement Unit (GLEU)
Cpl. Brett DeLonge conducted an AIS inspection at PetSmart in Marquette after learning of the possible zebra mussel contamination in aquarium moss balls. Cpl. DeLonge met with store manager and after inspecting several containers of Marimo Moss Ball Plants found multiple containers with zebra mussels. The manager was notified, and the containers were seized.
Cpl. Nick Torsky attended a meeting of the Organisms-in-Trade (OIT) sub-committee of the AIS Core Team. Topics discussed included updates of the MSUE RIPPLE (Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes) program, and LE follow-up on OIT business registrations and reporting.
Lt. Mike Feagan and Cpl. Nick Torsky attended the monthly AIS Core Team meeting. Various members and committees of the team gave updates, and a joint invasive plant research project was discussed.
Cpl. Nick Torsky inspected several businesses in Gaylord and Petoskey in response to shipments of "moss balls" containing live zebra and quagga mussels to pet stores across the country. One business was contacted that did have questionable specimens. They had already been contacted by their corporate headquarters and had quarantined the specimens.
Cpl. Troy VanGelderen checked pet stores around the Muskegon area to determine if anyone had any of the Marimo Moss Balls containing Zebra Mussels. Cpl. VanGelderen discovered that the word was spreading quickly, and everyone had their moss balls quarantined already. The companies were either waiting for further word from their corporate office or they had directions on how to destroy the balls and euthanize the mussels if found. No mussels were discovered at the time of the inspections.
Cpl. Sean Kehoe observed two subjects fishing too many lines on Long Lake. Upon contact, it was evident that one of the fishermen was fishing with four tip ups. The subject was apologetic and somewhat embarrassed about his error. He insisted that he had never done this kind of thing before until Cpl. Kehoe ran a DNR priors check and found out that he had done it at least one other time when he got a ticket for that time as well. Enforcement action was taken.
