DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Zach Painter was working a marine patrol on Lake Gogebic on the Fourth of July. CO Painter observed a boat operating well after sunset that was not displaying navigation lights. CO Painter stopped the boat and noticed several signs of intoxication with the operator. Standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs) were given to the operator. The subject was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of an intoxicating liquor.
COs Brian Lasanen, Zach Painter, and Dave Miller assisted the Lake Linden Fire Department with a marine safety patrol during their fireworks display. The COs patrolled a perimeter area for safety during the fireworks display. During the fireworks display, the COs observed a boat operating without proper navigation lights. The COs approached the boat and activated their emergency lights to stop the vessel. As they activated their emergency lights, they observed the driver of the boat switch positions with a female passenger on the boat. The new female operator could not figure out how to get the boat into neutral to stop the boat. The original operator had to lean over and assist in getting the boat stopped. Contact with the boat found the original operator to be non-compliant and deny operating the boat. The subject refused to come over to the CO's boat and refused SFSTs and a preliminary breath test (PBT). The suspect boat was towed to an access site nearby where the subject was again told he was under arrest for boating while intoxicated and resisting and obstructing. He eventually came onto the CO's patrol boat where he was handcuffed and transported to a waiting Houghton County Sheriff's Department vehicle. After being transported to jail, the subject registered a .17 alcohol level and was lodged. Multiple charges are being sought with the prosecutor's office.
CO Ethen Mapes backed up an Ontonagon County Sheriff's deputy on a report of shots fired during a domestic argument. CO Mapes and the deputy were able to take one subject into custody for felonious assault, possessing a firearm while intoxicated, and domestic assault. A .22 pistol was recovered, and two rounds were found to have been discharged.
COs Zach Painter and Ethen Mapes were on patrol in Ontonagon County when a "be on the lookout" call was received for a subject and the vehicle he was driving. The subject was reported to be causing a scene at a local grocery store and appeared to be very intoxicated. The COs located the vehicle a short while later and conducted a traffic stop. Signs of intoxication were observed with the operator and SFSTs were administered. The subject was placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI). The COs located open intoxicants and an uncased shotgun in the truck. The subject was charged with violations including OWI with a blood alcohol count (BAC) over 0.17, open intoxicants, operate while license revoked, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, uncased firearm in a motor vehicle, no registration, and no insurance. The subject was lodged at the Ontonagon County Jail.
CO Anna Viau assisted Iron County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Reid with a call about dogs being locked in a vehicle that had been parked in the middle of a county road since the night prior. Due to the high temperatures and humidity of that day, getting the dogs out of the vehicle was a priority. Thankfully, upon arrival to the vehicle, the officers discovered the vehicle was unlocked and both dogs were alive. The owner of the vehicle was contacted, and he stated he was going to pick up parts to fix the vehicle. Sgt. Reid brought the dogs to the local animal shelter and had the vehicle towed.
CO Josh Boudreaux was patrolling the Huron Islands on Lake Superior when Marquette County Central Dispatch contacted him, asking if he could see smoke to the south in the Huron Mountain Club. CO Boudreaux worked the shoreline looking for smoke but was unable to locate any. After learning the fire was located on a high ridge on the backside of a remote inland lake miles from the nearest road, CO Boudreaux coordinated with the local fire department and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire resources personnel to haul his patrol boat into the area to assist with shuttling firefighters and equipment. After multiple equipment and personnel shuttles to the fire, which was caused by a lightning strike, it was successfully extinguished. Talking with staff at the club, CO Boudreaux learned that it had been over 50 years since a motorized boat had been on that lake.
COs John Kamps and Josh Boudreau paired with District 2 CO Steve Butzin to complete an illegal deer investigation. COs Kamps and Boudreau conducted an interview and obtained a full confession for two illegal deer. One 8-point deer from 2019 and one 8-point deer from 2020. Both deer were taken without a license. The subject purchased licenses only after harvesting the deer. CO Butzin was able to later follow up with the suspect and seize evidence. Charges are pending with the prosecutor's office.
CO Jeremy Sergey was patrolling to Presque Isle Marina in Marquette County just before 7:00 am when he noticed a moped conduct a U-turn and head toward the entrance to the isle. A few moments later as CO Sergey was approaching the closed gate to the isle, he saw the moped crash right into the 'Park Closed" gate at Presque Isle. CO Sergey activated his emergency lights and checked on the operator. The operator seemed shaky but surprisingly not injured. CO Sergey asked the individual how much he had to drink, the individual said he had not been drinking. Field sobriety tests and a PBT were administered with assistance from the Marquette City Police. It was determined that the individual was over twice the legal limit of intoxication for operating a motor vehicle and the subject was lodged for OWI.
DISTRICT 2
CO Cole VanOosten was on patrol of Big Manistique Lake when he heard a call for assistance from a nearby Luce County Sheriff's deputy. The deputy was on a PWC and located a sailboat that had capsized in the wind and waves with two adults and a child on board. While attempting to assist the distressed vessel, the deputy's patrol vessel became tangled in lines in the water, immobilizing his vessel. CO VanOosten responded from a short distance away, locating the sailboat with the male victim still in the water struggling to right the vessel. The victims personal floatation device (PFD) had come off and the subject appeared to be fatigued. CO VanOosten assisted the male subject onto his patrol boat equipped him with a more suitable PFD, was able to assist the man in righting his vessel and towing it to shore.
COs Todd Sumbera and Cole VanOosten were conducting a marine patrol on July 3rd in Lake Huron near the Les Cheneaux Islands when they observed a personal watercraft (PWC) being operated nearby. After about twenty minutes had passed, the COs observed an object floating in the water approximately a half-mile away that was near the previous location of the PWC. The COs operated their patrol boat towards the object for further investigation. As they approached the location, they could hear a woman yelling and see her flailing her arms and saying, "Help him!" The woman was attempting to swim back to the PWC they had been riding which was floating away from them due to the high winds and rough seas. The second individual who was in the water was approximately 30 yards away from the PWC and was struggling to keep his head above water. The COs quickly maneuvered the patrol boat and were able to pull the man out of the water and into the boat. The woman was able to swim to the PWC but the safety lanyard that is required to start the machine was attached to the man's PFD. The COs attended to the male victim as he had inhaled quite a bit of water during his struggle due to repeatedly slipping through an improperly fitting PFD and was extremely cold as the water temperature was only 59 degrees. The man repeatedly stated, "You guys saved my life, how did you ever find us!" CO Sumbera informed the man that they did not save his life but the PFD he was wearing was the reason he was alive. The COs were able to provide the key to the female on the PWC who then safely returned to shore. The COs safely returned the male to his party where they were extremely thankful for their efforts.
COs Todd Sumbera and Colton Gelinas were conducting marine patrol near Drummond Island when contacting individuals aboard a vessel with motor issues. The COs towed the stranded vessel with four occupants approximately one mile to a nearby marina where the occupants were able to safely exit the water.
CO Todd Sumbera was conducting a marine patrol in the Les Cheneaux Islands when contacting a boat with three anglers. CO Sumbera asked if they were having any luck and they stated, "It is pretty slow." The young child on the boat then yelled, "We have a pike in the cooler!" CO Sumbera asked the kid how big it was, and she stated, "It's 20 inches." The angler who caught the fish quickly claimed the fish swallowed the hook and was dead in the cooler. The pike was found to still be flopping around while showing CO Sumbera the fish. A citation was issued for possession of an undersized northern pike.
CO Justin Vinson assisted the Mackinac County Sheriff's Department on a call involving an 18-year-old male with possible back injuries. The male had fallen from a rope swing along the Brevort Lake shoreline, landing near the water's edge. The young man was transported via boat to a nearby residence where his injuries were assessed. Emergency medical services (EMS) transported the male to St. Ignace to have his injuries evaluated.
COs Michael Evink and Steven Butzin conducted a patrol of Lake Michigan. As soon as the COs left port, they were flagged down by a stranded salmon boat. The COs assisted the boat and safely returned it to the marina and continued their patrol. There were a lot of fishing boats out due to the hot salmon bite. The COs issued one ticket for fishing with too many lines.
COs Robert Freeborn, Steven Butzin, Mark Zitnik, and Michael Evink conducted a night patrol of Lake Michigan in response to complaints of vessels operating without navigational lights. The lake was busy with lots of boat traffic. The COs issued three tickets for not using navigation lights and gave five additional warnings. The patrol was well received due to safety concerns on the water.
CO Andrea Dani received a complaint about a dumping location on Chamberlain Road. The dump included several bags of garbage torn open and scattered by animals, as well as multiple push mowers. CO Dani located several pieces of mail within the trash showing the suspect's name and address. CO Dani contacted the suspect who denied involvement and showed CO Dani receipts from going to the landfill with trash. Eventually the suspect confessed, stating on the last trip to the landfill, it was closed, so he decided to dump the trash in the woods. The suspect was issued a citation for knowingly dumping litter on unauthorized property and ordered to remove the trash.
CO Robert Freeborn responded to a complaint of a stranded vessel out in Lake Michigan. The vessel had been out salmon fishing when both its engines quit, possibly due to bad fuel. CO Freeborn located the vessel approximately eight miles offshore. CO Freeborn was able to tow the vessel back to the Manistique harbor where the fisherman was thankful to be back on the mainland.
CO Robert Freeborn was on routine patrol when he observed a PWC take off from shore and start doing "donuts" in front of him resulting in the kill switch being engaged. As the PWC came to a stop. CO Freeborn noticed that there was not a registration on the PWC. Upon talking with the operator, it was determined that the PWC was last registered in 1999. A citation was issued for the expired registration.
DISTRICT 3
COs Andrea Erratt and Andrea Albert observed a man driving a PWC in a reckless manner very close to anchored boats and numerous people swimming. COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Jessica Curtis also saw the same PWC operator and stopped him. After failing SFST's and refusing a preliminary breath test (PBT) the subject was arrested for boating under influence (BUI).
CO Andrea Erratt attended a Tip of the Mitt Watershed boat washing event held at a Walloon Lake access site. CO Erratt talked to boaters and anglers from Indiana who said they had never seen a boat washing station to curb the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). While they got their boats washed, CO Erratt explained Michigan law requires boaters to empty live wells and remove drain plugs after pulling boats out of the lake. The Tip of the Mitt workers thanked CO Erratt for stopping by and said boaters are more eager to have their boats washed when a conservation officer is there.
CO Andrea Albert participated in a free fish expo at the Elk Rapids Harbor that is put on by local anglers who like to promote fishing and teach others how and where to fish. CO Albert answered law questions and provided informational brochures and handouts to participants.
CO Andrea Albert was traveling home after a shift patrolling Torch Lake for Torch Fest when she observed a side-by-side ORV operating at a high rate of speed down the center of the road. CO Albert conducted a stop on the ORV and upon contact, suspected the operator was intoxicated based upon his behavior. When CO Albert asked the driver how much alcohol he had to drink, he initially stated he had nothing to drink and was very adamant that he had not drank any alcohol all day. CO Albert conducted sobriety tests and arrested and lodged the driver in jail for operating while impaired. The driver's blood alcohol level was a .32 BAC, four times over the minimum limit of .08.
COs Nathan Beelman, Chad Baldwin, Tim Rosochacki, Kyle Cherry, Dan Liestenfeltz, and Jessica Curtis were on scene two minutes after receiving a call for a subject in the water who suffered a spinal cord injury. The group was on a designated enforcement patrol on Lake Charlevoix and overheard the medical call. The COs arrived on scene and secured the subject who did not have feeling in his extremities from his mid-chest down after he dove headfirst off from a boat into waist deep water. The subject also had severe back and neck pain. The subject's friends assisted him out of the water and stabilized him on a nearby paddleboard while a second boat called 911. COs Rosochacki and Beelman jumped into the water and stabilized the subject so he could be loaded onto a nearby patrol boat. CO Baldwin coordinated with local EMS to find a spot where the subject could be extricated from the lake. The subject was escorted across the lake by patrol boat and transferred to the care of EMS.
COs Chad Baldwin, Duane Budreau, and Sgt. Bill Webster participated in the presidential security detail during President Biden's trip to Antrim County. No major incidents occurred, and the event was successful due to the collaboration of many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
CO Adam LeClerc responded to an overturned kayak in Cecil Bay. The kayak had two occupants with the one remaining submerged. Neither were wearing a PFD when the wind picked up on the lake overturning the two-person kayak in rough waves. CO LeClerc was the first on scene with fire personnel. CO LeClerc relayed description and logistics to Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Central Dispatch. Civilians on PWCs were able to locate the individual underwater but were unable to reach him by diving. Emmet County Dive personnel were taken out by civilians and were able to free dive and recover the individual. The victim was turned over to awaiting EMS personnel for transport to the hospital.
CO Adam LeClerc was checking bear bait areas while on patrol in heavy rain. He observed vehicle tracks going into a dead-end road but none coming out. At the end was a truck with multiple buckets used for bear baits. CO LeClerc was familiar with the truck and had seen it in the area the previous year. CO LeClerc met the individual about ten feet from his bear bait just after he had loaded it with bait. When asked what they were doing, the individual responded, "You know what I'm doing." The individual picked up all the bait and placed it back in the bucket before returning to the truck. A ticket was issued for establishing a bear bait more than 31 days before bear season.
CO Tim Rosochacki, along with the Tuscarora Township Fire Department and the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department responded to a large group of kayakers in distress on the Pigeon River. Several of the kayakers had flipped over and were unable to get out of the water. CO Rosochacki was the first on scene and helped to coordinate the response. Terrain near the river was a major factor in accessing the 11 kayakers. Fortunately, everyone had PFDs and were properly prepared. The officers worked fluidly to get everyone safely back to shore.
CO Kyle Cherry was on patrol in Otsego County when he observed a vehicle in front of him swerve off the roadway and then into the opposing lane of traffic. CO Cherry conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and ultimately conducted SFSTs. At the conclusion of the investigation, CO Cherry placed the driver under arrest for his third OWI offense and his sixth offense for operating with a suspended license.
CO Sidney Collins received a call from Montmorency County Dispatch of a distressed fawn swimming in a local lake. A family out fishing picked up the fawn after they watched it swim in circles for several minutes. The family did not see the doe in sight. CO Collins arrived at the scene and assessed the fawn. CO Collins asked the family where they picked the fawn up out of the water and then patrolled to that location. CO Collins knew the doe was in the area as the fawn appeared to be in good shape and not dehydrated. CO Collins was unsure where exactly the doe was, so she played loud fawn bleats on her truck loudspeaker over and over from her phone. After 20 minutes of calling, CO Collins heard the doe snort in the woods. The fawn was returned to its mother safely.
COs Sidney Collins and Dan Liestenfeltz assisted Montmorency County deputies with a search for a wanted subject. The COs were in the area looking for the subject near a state land lake where it was rumored, he was staying. A deputy spotted the subject's vehicle after searching the area. The wanted subject took officers on a 17 minute vehicle pursuit through the woods on two-tracks. The COs assisted the deputies once the subject was apprehended. The subject was lodged in Montmorency County Jail without incident. Once a vehicle search was conducted, the COs and officers found evidence of drug paraphernalia.
COs Sidney Collins and Dan Liestenfeltz made a traffic stop on a side-by-side in Montmorency County. The driver was driving in the middle of the road, above 25 mph. After field sobriety tests and a PBT was given, the driver was arrested for OWI.
CO Sidney Collins was on patrol in Montmorency County when she witnessed a driver of a vehicle speed out of a gas station without stopping or looking. CO Collins initiated a traffic stop on the driver. The driver quickly parked his car in a driveway and went to run inside the home when CO Collins ran out and stopped the driver. The driver was found to have several warrants, no driver's license, and no valid registration on the vehicle. The driver was advised of his warrants and issued an appearance date for operating a vehicle while suspended.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Montmorency County when he received a complaint about a subject burning a mattress and bedframe from Montmorency County Dispatch. Upon arriving shortly after the complaint was received, there were no remains of the items in the fire and the fire was almost completely out. CO Liestenfeltz discussed the laws about burning in Michigan and issued the subject a verbal warning for improper disposal of those items.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz responded to an ORV injury accident on Trail 9 just north of Atlanta in Montmorency County. EMS had just arrived on scene prior to CO Liestenfeltz arriving. While EMS was evaluating an injured passenger, CO Liestenfeltz looked at tire tracks and talked with the driver of the ORV to determine what had happened. The operator of the ORV was doing donuts in the middle of a large trail intersection when the ORV caught and flipped up on its side. When this happened, the passenger's leg and arm were forced out of the ORV and pinned between the roll cage and the ground. The operator of the ORV was issued a ticket for carless operation and the passenger was transported to Gaylord Otsego Memorial Hospital where they were eventually airlifted to Traverse City to have surgery on a broken arm and broken leg.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Sidney Collins were patrolling in Montmorency County when they observed an ORV traveling down the traveled portion of the roadway that had blue led lights activated on the frame. CO Liestenfeltz initiated a stop on the ORV. After talking with the operator, they showed signs of intoxication. CO Liestenfeltz conducted standardized field sobriety tests on the subject which they did not pass. The subject agreed to a PBT which was .143 BAC. The subject was arrested and lodged at the Montmorency County Jail for OWI.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Jessie Curtis were patrolling Torch Fest on Torch Lake in Kalkaska County. While patrolling, they observed a boat leave the sandbar area with an expired registration. CO Liestenfeltz initiated a stop on the boat and when talking with the driver he observed signs of intoxication. SFSTs were administered and the operator blew a .12 BAC on the PBT. The subject was arrested and lodged at the Kalkaska County Jail for operating a boat under the influence.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Sidney Collins were patrolling in Montmorency County when a call came out for an ORV injury accident in western Montmorency County. The COs responded to the area, but due to the caller having poor cell service and not knowing the exact location of the incident, it was unclear where the accident had occurred. When the COs were getting near the area, they spotted a quad heading their direction at a very high rate of speed. The driver on the quad stopped and stated that the subject involved in the accident was hurt very badly. The COs followed the quad to a large field deep into the woods. Upon arriving, it was determined the subject needed immediate medical care to his leg and foot. CO Liestenfeltz applied a department issued tourniquet to the subject's leg and CO Collins gathered coordinates of their exact location to relay to Montmorency Dispatch to help guide medical personnel to the scene. The COs requested a medical helicopter which was approximately 45 minutes away. A joint decision was made for the subject to be transported by ambulance to Gaylord Otsego Memorial Hospital so initial medical care could be administered. Shortly after arriving, the medical helicopter picked up the subject from the hospital and transported them to Flint where they underwent surgery on their leg and foot.
CO Paul Fox was at his residence, when he heard radio traffic of local Presque Isle deputies responding to a suspicious person's complaint. A subject was observed from a wireless camera attempting to break into a camper in a secluded area of the county. CO Fox was familiar with the area and responded to assist the deputies locate the individual. The deputies later identified and contacted the suspect.
CO Jessie Curtis was patrolling Montmorency County near Lewiston when she observed a side-by-side pull onto County Road 612 from M 33 South. The ORV was operating in the opposite lane of travel in the roadway when CO Curtis initiated the traffic stop. After an investigation and upon completing field sobriety tests CO Curtis arrested the operator for OWI.
CO Jessie Curtis was patrolling Lake Huron on a boat in Alpena County for the fireworks display on the Fourth of July. CO Curtis received a report of a missing child. The child had been missing for hours and had last been seen on the beach. CO Curtis was able to locate the child safe and sound swimming in the water and arrange to get the child reunited with their family.
DISTRICT 4
COs William Kinney and Rich Stowe were patrolling through Grand Traverse County. While driving, the COs witnessed a dirt bike ride on one wheel at a high rate of speed directly behind a pickup truck. A traffic stop was made on the dirt bike for the careless driving. It was discovered that the operator was a 17-year-old individual. In addition, the operator had also neglected to legally license the ORV. The operator was cited for the violation.
COs Justin Vanderlinde and Amanda McCurdy participated in a saturation patrol of the Platte River alongside the NPS, MSP and Benzie County Sheriff's Office. Approximately 11 law enforcement officers conducted stationary and mobile patrols along the Platte River and surrounding roadways to address state and federal regulations. Numerous citations and arrests were made for violations such as failure to provide PFDs, minors in possession (MIP) of alcohol, and outstanding misdemeanor warrants. The joint patrol ended in a minor search and rescue incident where the missing person was located several hours later in the National Park. The patrol afforded officers the opportunity to work on inter-agency coordination and communication and enhanced the recreational opportunity along the Platte River.
CO Amanda McCurdy responded to a complaint through Benzie County Central Dispatch of a medical emergency that was reported on the Old Indian Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes. CO McCurdy met National Park Ranger Scott Dekkers and the officers hiked until finally locating the individual, who was much farther down the trail than originally reported. The elderly patient was experiencing symptoms consistent with heat stroke and was unable to walk back to the trailhead. The Frankfort Fire Department deployed a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) along the trail, which allowed for quick medical care for the subject. The individual was transported back to the trailhead and evaluated by medical personnel.
COs Patrick McManus and Amanda McCurdy both responded to a missing juvenile with severe autism within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, along the Leelanau/Benzie County line. Upon arrival, the COs were told that the child had walked away from their parent without any sort of specific direction of travel and had been missing for over an hour. Federal Park rangers were also on scene to assist, and every officer, including the COs, assigned themselves areas around the last known location to search. After approximately 30 minutes, CO McManus spotted the juvenile walking down a dirt road and attempted to make contact. Upon noticing the CO, the young man ran into the woods to try and hide. CO McManus spoke with him for several minutes and was eventually able to earn his trust and transport him back to his father. During the ride, CO McManus noticed his passenger was experiencing signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and was able to provide the necessary first aid to make him feel better.
CO Josiah Killingbeck responded to a report of a subject who had been run over by a pontoon boat on a lake in Lake County. CO Killingbeck learned that the victim was injured. CO Killingbeck contacted the suspect boat and interviews were conducted. CO Killingbeck determined the boat that hit the victim had been distracted while operating and was not paying attention to the course of operation. The victim was taken to the hospital and CO Killingbeck is conducting a boating accident investigation, with a report being sent to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for reckless marine operation.
CO Josiah Killingbeck had just cleared the Big Star Lake Fireworks when he observed a vehicle coming down a private driveway. The vehicle failed to stop before entering the roadway and pulled out in front of CO Killingbeck. CO Killingbeck initiated a traffic stop as the vehicle had forced CO Killingbeck to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision. CO Killingbeck contacted the driver who said he did not see CO Killingbeck. CO Killingbeck detected signs of intoxication from the driver and began an OWI investigation. The subject was found to be over twice the legal blood alcohol limit. The subject was arrested and lodged in the Lake County Jail for charges of OWI, operating while suspended, operating intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle, and operating with open intoxicants.
CO Ben Shively and Sgt. Grant Emery conducted a patrol at the Silver Lake State Park ORV area on the Fourth of July. A traffic stop was conducted on a Polaris RZR which was unlawfully displaying flashing blue lights on the rear of the UTV. Upon contact, the operator attempted to drive away, but was quickly stopped by Sgt Emery. CO Shively observed a rear seat passenger holding a can between his legs and found it to be a can of beer. All four subjects in the UTV were found to be in possession of open containers. All four subjects were cited for possession of alcohol in the ORV area.
CO Ben Shively responded with Oceana County Marine Deputy Tim Simon to a sailboat that Deputy Simon had observed to be in distress in Pentwater Lake in Oceana County. As the officers approached the sailboat, which was drifting across the lake in the high wind and waves and taking on water, the sailboat capsized with the 20 foot mast going in and under the water. They were able to bring the lone occupant onto their vessel and tow the sailboat to the opposite side of the lake, out of the wind and waves. There it was righted and towed back to the municipal access site.
COs Jeff Ginn, Ben Shively, and Sgt. Mike Bomay conducted a marine patrol on the Muskegon River in Newaygo County when they observed two shore anglers frantically moving around the shoreline. When contact was made it was determined that one subject was handing his wife several jug lines (plastic pop bottles with line, weight and hooks attached) as the COs approached. She attempted to hide the unlawful fishing devices in the weeds on shore. The couple was fishing a log jam and were very productive in catching pan fish with the devices. They were in possession of 17 rock bass on a stringer and neither angler had purchased a fishing license. The husband was cited for fishing without a license.
DISTRICT 5
CO Charlie Jones was on ORV patrol in Kalkaska Township, Kalkaska County when he observed two suspicious vehicles parked on state land. CO Jones lost sight of the vehicles and contacted Deputy Hall from the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office to see if he could locate the vehicles. A traffic stop was conducted on one vehicle a short time later. A consent to search was given by the driver. Approximately 5.13 grams of methamphetamine was found both in the vehicle and on the passenger along with scales and other small plastic bags. Both occupants were taken into custody and lodged at the Kalkaska County Jail. A report will be submitted to the Kalkaska County Prosecutor's Office for review.
COs Ben McAteer, Charlie Jones, and Breanna Reed conducted a marine patrol on Torch Lake for Operation Dry Water. Operation Dry Water is a multi-state enforcement effort to promote safe boating practices with a strong focus on detecting boating under the influence. During the patrol, a vessel was observed operating at a high rate of speed with passengers illegally riding on the bow and stern. After stopping the vessel, several passengers were observed to be passed out and a strong odor of intoxicants was coming from the boat operator. CO McAteer conducted seated SFSTs on the operator. PBT test results showed the boat operator to be double the legal limit for operating a boat. The boat operator was arrested for operating a watercraft while intoxicated and the boat was turned over to a sober passenger.
COs Breanna Reed and Jeremy Cantrell received a complaint of multiple illegal buoys on Houghton Lake that had been placed in front of private residences. The COs patrolled to the location and spoke with the property owner. The property owner stated they were unaware that they needed a permit to have the buoys in front of their house. CO Cantrell explained that it becomes a navigational hazard. Information was given to the property owner on how to obtain a permit and the subject was issued a warning for the violation. They were given twenty-four hours to remove the buoys.
During the Fourth of July weekend, COs Jeff Panich and Jesse Grzechowski patrolled the Au Sable River in Iosco County in a high traffic area where a drowning occurred last year. The COs issued 17 citations for not possessing a PFD while kayak/canoeing.
CO Casey Pullum was patrolling a rural county road near a remote lake in Oscoda County when he came upon a vehicle parked in the roadway. CO Pullum contacted the driver and detected signs of intoxication. The driver was asked to submit to SFSTs and take a PBT. After failing the tests and with a breath alcohol reading of .098, the driver was taken into custody and lodged at the Oscoda County Jail for OWI. The driver has four prior OWI convictions.
CO Kyle Bader assisted the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Office and Mills Township Fire/Rescue with a woman who had a medical emergency while kayaking on the Rifle River. The woman was kayaking alone when her family was unable to contact her. Mills Township firefighters were able to locate the woman struggling to cling to a log due to the current. She was having a medical emergency and her kayak was gone. They waded in and brought her to the shore. CO Bader arrived on scene and assisted the firefighters with loading her into a stokes basket and carrying her up the extremely steep grade. The trek was approximately 100 yards up the hill to a waiting EMS unit. Then CO Bader assisted in setting up a landing zone for Life Flight to evacuate the patient to the hospital.
While patrolling Sage Lake during the annual fireworks display, COs Brad Bellville and Kyle Bader stopped a boat for a navigation light violation. The operator was showing signs of intoxication and was asked to put on a PFD and come aboard the patrol boat for SFSTs. The investigation revealed the man's BAC was nearly twice the legal limit to operate a watercraft. He was arrested and lodged in the Ogemaw County Jail.
COs James Garrett and Casey Pullum had just cleared an evening marine patrol on Tee Lake in Oscoda County when they observed a vehicle approaching them veer off the roadway and begin to operate on the gravel shoulder. The COs conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and suspected the driver to be highly intoxicated. SFSTs were conducted on the operator, and it was determined he was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The subject was lodged at the Oscoda County Jail.
CO Craig Neal received a complaint along the Rifle River of tubers and canoers getting out of the river and trespassing onto a homeowner's private property. The homeowner stated that it happens all week but is especially bad on the weekends. The following Saturday, CO Neal sat in the woods and observed the property for signs of trespassers. After a short time, a couple of tubers climbed up the bank of the private property where they were met by CO Neal. The tubers admitted to seeing the "No Trespassing" signs that they walked past but stated that they "Didn't think it was that serious." CO Neal issued both individuals a citation for recreational trespass and discussed the importance of obeying trespass signs.
CO Craig Neal received a complaint of a snowmobile in the water on Saginaw Bay just north of the Pine River. CO Neal, with assistance from CO Josh Wright, were able to locate the snowmobile in the water and get the vehicle identification number off the machine. CO Neal interviewed the registered owner at his residence. The owner initially denied owning a snowmobile and said he got rid of his snowmobile. After further questioning, CO Neal was able to obtain a confession. The owner admitted he was out ice fishing last winter and his snowmobile went through the ice. He stated that he went looking for it once the ice melted but could not find it and figured someone else had found it first. CO Neal issued the owner a citation for littering and gave him one week to get his snowmobile out of the water or another citation would be issued. A follow up check revealed that the snowmobile had been removed from the waters of Saginaw Bay.
DISTRICT 6
COs Seth Rhodea and Josh Wright were patrolling on Saginaw Bay when they observed a PWC being operated at high speeds within 100 feet of anchored boats. Additionally, the passenger on the PWC was not wearing a PFD. A stop was made, and citations were issued for failing to wear a PFD and for operating violations.
COs Dan Robinson and Mike Haas were working in the Stanton SGA when they came across an illegal camp. Several individuals were camping during the closed season for dispersed camping. There were two cars and a motorcycle with the group, but the group claimed the unregistered motorcycle did not belong to anyone in their group. CO Haas used his issued night vision and was able to locate a subject hiding in the woods who was found to have a misdemeanor warrant and was on parole. Citations were issued to the group and the subject with the warrants was advised and released.
DISTRICT 7
COs from Districts 4, 6, 7, and 8 patrolled Grand Haven State Park for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. On the Fourth of July there were unruly crowds that caused the closing of the south pier by Grand Haven Public Safety. The crowd moved its way into the park and, after multiple fights broke out within the crowd, the decision was made to close the park to all non-campers. With the help of Grand Haven Public Safety and Parks and Recreation Division (PRD) staff, the park was successfully closed with minimal issues. Throughout the day multiple individuals were contacted and cited for alcohol violations.
COs Anna Cullen and Jackie Miskovich were patrolling the Muskegon Lake channel when they observed an individual operating a jet ski in a reckless manner. The COs pulled the vessel over and contacted the operator. It was determined the operator was new to vessel operation and was not aware of basic marine rules, like slow no wake areas. It was also determined that the operator had two outstanding warrants, both outside of Muskegon County. Both warrants were confirmed but were advise and release. A citation was issued for failing to obtain boater's safety before vessel operation, while warnings were issued for the rest of the violations.
CO Carter Woodwyk received a complaint of a subject illegally camping in the Allegan SGA in Allegan County. The subject admitted to camping in this location for a couple of weeks but was unaware of legal camping dates. A file check revealed a valid arrest warrant, and the camper was arrested on the warrant and turned over to the MSP for transportation to the Allegan County Jail.
CO Carter Woodwyk assisted the Allegan County Sheriff's Department and other first responders in a search and rescue, turned recovery effort, for a subject that was scuba diving in the Kalamazoo River just below the Allegan Dam. The diver worked for a private engineering firm contracted to inspect the dam structure. The cause of the accidental drowning is still under investigation.
DISTRICT 8
COs Ed Rice and Chris Reynolds conducted a marine patrol during a fireworks event in Hillsdale County. Prior to the start of the fireworks display, the COs conducted a stop on a vessel for operating without an anchor light. Both COs Rice and Reynolds smelled a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the operator. COs Rice and Reynolds also observed several other signs of intoxication. The vessel was turned over to the man's wife and the man was transported to shore. On shore, SFSTs were conducted and a PBT was administered. The man was arrested for boating under the influence and lodged at the Hillsdale County Jail.
CO Jason McCullough and Sgt. Rich Nickols were on marine patrol on the Kalamazoo River when they observed a group of shore anglers. Contact was made and several violations were found. The group was one line over their limit for the number of licensed anglers, and nine of the 10 Smallmouth bass they possessed were under the 14-inch legal size. The group also had a pellet rifle in their possession and could not explain what they intended to use it for. A citation was issued for the undersized fish.
CO Nick Wellman assisted with a 20-month-old child actively having seizures. The EMS crew was approximately 30 minutes away. CO Wellman went to assist with the child until EMS arrived.
CO Nick Wellman responded to a capsized vessel during a marine patrol. Everyone was out safely. CO Wellman worked with a local tow company after the fact to remove the sunken boat from the Sauk River.
CO Nick Wellman worked the Coldwater River and St. Joe River confluence during the weekend due to high water and several rescues taking place during the week.
DISTRICT 9
COs Danielle Zubek, Mike Drexler, Keven Luther, Luke Robare, and Sgt. Jason Becker responded to a call for assistance from Northville Police Department and PRD staff with a search and rescue operation in Maybury State Park. The subject had been reported missing for over 24 hours. The missing person's vehicle had been in the park overnight. The COs were able to cover trails and sections of the park not easily accessible to local law enforcement and fire. The subject was located by the MSP canine team. Unfortunately, the subject was deceased when located.
COs Joseph Deppen and Brad Silorey were working marine patrol on Lake St. Clair. The COs noticed two jet ski operators entering a slow no wake area. The COs noted the PFDs worn by the operators appeared very thin. The COs stopped the operators who assured the COs they were US Coast Guard approved PFDs. When inspected and turned inside out, the PFD read, "WARNING-ATTENTION - This garment is NOT a life jacket or floatation device." COs issued each operator a citation for operating a PWC without a PFD and a verbal warning for no boater's safety certificate. The riders understood and just complained the lifesaving ones were too uncomfortable. The COs explained actual PFDs will save their life and keep them afloat if they ever fall off or have a collision on the water.
CO Mike Drexler received a call from the Park Supervisor at Pinckney Recreation Area about an ORV that was broke down on the Potawatomi Trail. CO Drexler picked up Park Supervisor Shane Morse and the two arrived at a trail crossing just as three subjects were riding the ORV down the trail. In addition to riding on a closed trail, none of the riders were wearing helmets and the ORV was not registered. Citations were issued for ORV without helmet and operate unregistered ORV, and a warning was issued for operating in a closed area.
COs Brandon Hartleben and Andrew Monnich were closing out their Fourth of July patrol on Devils Lake when they observed a vessel still sitting at the sandbar on Devils Lake. The occupants appeared to still be drinking so the COs took note and went to help address an issue with recovering a disabled PWC. While helping facilitate the removal of the disabled PWC, the COs observed the vessel from previously heading across the lake towards the launch without an anchor light. The COs contacted the vessel to address the issue and it became clear that the operator had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, as his balance, speech, eyes, and actions all indicated impairment. With the assistance of a sober passenger the vessel was guided safely to the boat launch. At the launch, the operator was administered SFSTs, which he failed, and given a PBT with a .187 result. The vessel operator was placed under arrest for BUI.
COs Nicholas Ingersoll, Andy Monnich, and Eric Smithers conducted a patrol on Devils Lake for the July 3rd fireworks show. The COs contacted several hundred individuals enjoying the holiday weekend and issued a handful of citations for various marine laws and issued a couple dozen warnings for multiple violations. During their patrol, they observed a jet ski leave the sand bar and the operator was not wearing his PFD properly. The COs contacted the driver, and it was determined he was under the influence and should not be driving. After the driver was administered SFSTs and consented to a PBT which resulted in .156, he was arrested for BUI.
BELLE ISLE
Very near the end of a shift on Belle Isle, CO Dan Walzak observed a vehicle come onto the island and immediately proceed against traffic on a one-way street. When CO Walzak stopped and asked the driver where he was going at 10:48 at night, the driver replied that he and his two friends were heading toward the beach to look for his lost wallet. The driver added that he was in a panic and was trying to re-trace where he had been in the hopes of finding it. CO Walzak advised the driver that the park was closed and asked the driver what time it was when he was at the beach. The driver responded that he was not at the beach earlier that day - in fact, he believed that he may have lost it there a couple of weeks ago. CO Walzak got the driver turned around, issued the driver a citation for driving the wrong way on a one-way street and suggested that he check the lost and found at the Belle Isle office.
GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)
CO Mark Zitnik and Cpl. Mike Hammill performed a patrol checking commercial nets and also checked many Salmon fishermen in the same area. One new net was documented, and multiple Salmon anglers were checked. Fishing that morning was overall slow however some large fish were checked.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge and Cpl. Mike Hammill ran a commercial net patrol from Marquette to the other side of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Several nets were checked, and one gillnet in particular had no identifiers tied to the net. Cpl. Brett DeLonge is in the process of contacting GLIFWC on this net.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge received a complaint of several dead fish found after weed control chemicals were dumped into a small local lake. The information was forwarded to local officers for follow-up.
Cpl. Nick Torsky attended the virtual meetings of the AIS Core Team education and outreach subcommittee, the AIS Core Team/Michigan Waterfront Alliance task force, and the bi-annual Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species.
Cpl. Nick Torsky attended 3 afternoons of an Organisms-in-trade symposium sponsored by the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, including giving a joint presentation with an Illinois warden that compared dedicated AIS enforcement units between the two states.
Cpl. Nick Torsky conducted an AIS boating initiative patrol, partnering with volunteers from the Paradise Lake Association during the annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz that is currently underway. Several boaters were educated on AIS regulations, and Cpl. Torsky utilized a permanent boat-washing station at the access site to wash the boats of several anglers.
Lt. Terry Short attended the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers Chief's conference and presented on behalf of the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission's Law Enforcement Committee. The presentation was done in conjunction with two other committee representatives from Ontario and Ohio and consisted of the committee's organization and mission and the longstanding work the committee has been involved with in the AIS enforcement field.
Cpl. Kevin Postma was dispatched to Trout Lake for a boat that was found adrift with no one around. Cpl. Postma contacted the complainant and inspected the 16' vessel. It was eventually determined that the vessel became loose from its dock as the winds picked up and began to drift out into the lake. The owners were contacted, and all parties were accounted for.
Cpl. Kevin Postma responded to a domestic assault complaint at the Tahquamenon Lower Falls campground. Cpl. Postma investigated the incident and determined that there was in fact a domestic assault between a 42-yr. old stepfather and his 14-yr. old stepdaughter. The stepfather, who was also in violation of his conditions of probation due to consuming alcohol, was arrested and transported to the Chippewa County Jail and lodged on the charge of domestic violence.
Cpl. Troy VanGelderen patrolled out of Muskegon Lake into Lake Michigan patrolling shipwrecks and looking for state commercial nets with District 7 Conservation Officers.
Lt. Mike Feagan presented a case brief on Red Swamp Crayfish at the Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Panel and attended the three-day conference.
