6/26/2022-7/9/2022

DISTRICT 1

Conservation Officer (CO) Jenni Hanson was dispatched to a call of two lost juveniles in the Sylvania Wilderness. While out hiking, the two Wisconsin teenagers had lost the trail and became stranded in the woods. CO Hanson was able to contact the individuals via cell phone to acquire their exact location. CO Hanson, along with a Gogebic County sheriff's deputy, United States Forest Service (USFS) personnel, and Gogebic County’s Search and Rescue team located the lost individuals four miles south of their campsite. They were rescued from the woods without incident.

CO Jenni Hanson diverted her patrol plans to assist in the search of a missing ten-year-old boy in Wakefield. CO Hanson arrived on scene and located the lost boy biking down a back road approximately fifteen minutes after the initial call came out. He had gotten turned around and separated from his mother. He was returned to his mother without incident.

CO Alex VanWagner conducted an off-road vehicle (ORV) patrol on his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in Iron County and observed another ATV traveling in front of him on the ORV trail. There were no registration or trail stickers visible, the operator was not wearing a helmet, and the rear tire on the ATV was flat. Contact was made with the operator, who showed signs of impairment. Standardized field sobriety tests (SFST’s) were administered, and a preliminary breath test (PBT) sample was given. The operator was arrested and lodged for operating while intoxicated (OWI). He also had a revoked operator’s license. A report was submitted to the Iron County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

COs Alex VanWagner and Phil Helminen patrolled Sunset Lake. Two subjects were fishing off the boat launch dock and were contacted by the COs. Neither subject had a fishing license, and both were issued citations for fishing without a license. During this time, a pontoon boat had pulled up to the boat launch but was having difficulty docking. The COs assisted the pontoon to the dock and contacted the operator, who admitted to consuming alcohol. SFST’s were administered, and the operator was arrested and lodged for boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol. The operator was also cited for refusing to supply a PBT sample.

COs Alex VanWagner and Phil Helminen patrolled Chicaugon Lake. A boat was observed underway with improper navigation lights. The vessel was stopped, and the operator was issued a citation and a warning for failing to attach the registration decal. A pontoon boat was observed underway that also did not have proper navigation lights. The vessel was stopped and while contacting the operator of the pontoon, signs of intoxication were observed, and the operator admitted to consuming alcohol. SFST’s were administered, and the operator was arrested and lodged for BUI of alcohol. The operator was also cited for the improper navigation lights and refusing to supply a PBT sample.

COs Phil Helminen and Alex VanWagner were patrolling on Lake Antoine when they contacted two individuals fishing on a boat. When asked if they caught any fish, one angler stated they had a few bluegill. He also offered that he wanted to be honest as he had an undersized largemouth bass. The angler turned over the bass that was undersize. While speaking with the same angler, CO Helminen asked about another fish inside of the boat in a bucket and the angler turned over another undersized largemouth bass. Enforcement action was taken.

CO John Kamps and Detective Josh Boudreaux were patrolling the Dead River Basin in Marquette County when they observed a vessel that appeared to be stranded in the middle of the lake. They checked on the lone occupant who stated that his boat would not start and showed them a large gash in his hand from trying to pull start the engine. The COs were able to tow the thankful boater back to his dock without further incident.

Sergeant (Sgt.) Mark Leadman received information about ORVs operating on an active railroad grade in western Marquette County. The edge of the railroad has been degraded by the large amount of traffic to the point that large gravel and stone would need to be hauled in to prevent a potential derailment. As Sgt. Leadman arrived at the complaint area, he observed an ORV driving right toward him on the railroad grade. A stop was conducted, and the subject was found, in addition to the railroad trespass violation, to be operating while suspended. The subject was issued a citation.

DISTRICT 2

COs Steve Butzin, Chris Lynch, and Robert Freeborn conducted a hunter safety field day at the Escanaba DNR Pocket Park with the help of DNR staff JoAnn Alexander. This successful class resulted in over 28 students receiving their hunter safety certificates.

COs Steve Butzin and Chris Lynch were finishing a marine patrol near Manistique when dispatch requested their assistance on a “shots fired” call in the Thompson area, a short distance from their location. The two COs responded to a residence where they discovered a female limping on one leg and hysterically crying. COs were informed that her ex-boyfriend had unlawfully entered her residence, pointed a handgun at her, and refused to let her leave her residence. After a while, the female was able to escape the residence as the ex-boyfriend became distracted. As she was running away from the residence, the ex-boyfriend pursued and ended up firing three rounds from the handgun in an unknown direction. The female was able to run to several other individuals who contacted 911. The COs arrived at the location in under five minutes to discover the suspect had already fled the scene and his location was unknown. The COs provided law enforcement partners a description of vehicles the suspect could be driving while they stayed at the scene to provide aid and protection to the victim. After a short while the suspect was located and taken into custody in the city of Manistique without incident. The incident was turned over to the Michigan State Police (MSP) for further investigation. It was confirmed a shooting took place and the suspect had the firearm used in the shooting in his vehicle at the time he was taken into custody. The firearm was still loaded with a round in the chamber. Violations of the suspect included unlawful entry of a residence, felonious assault, violation of a personal protection order, felony conceal weapons, operate a motor vehicle without registration/securities, among others. The suspect was lodged at the Schoolcraft County Jail.

COs Steve Butzin, Chris Lynch, Andrea Dani, and F/Lt. Jason Wicklund recently testified at trial referencing a 2020 case where one individual was found to have taken many deer without licenses; this individual has not possessed a valid deer hunting license since at least 1995. A search warrant was executed on the residence of the suspect which uncovered approximately 45 sets of deer antler skull caps. Many of these deer were large mature bucks. Along with the antlers, other evidence was collected at the scene that corroborates the suspect’s claims to have shot many deer without licenses. Several interviews and genetic testing of evidence collected all pointed towards the fact that this individual has taken many deer both in season and out of season without licenses. A report was submitted with the 94th District Court of Delta County which led to a trial by jury. The jury found the individual guilty on three counts of unlawfully taking or possessing three 8-point whitetail bucks without licenses. Restitution for these three deer will total $18,000.

COs Chris Lynch and Steve Butzin conducted several marine safety and aquatic invasive species (AIS) patrols over the 4th of July weekend. Compliance was high and people were very appreciative of the COs efforts despite the poor weather over the weekend.

COs from District 2 assisted the Michigan Air National Guard during Operation Agility/Hawk LZ in Alger County. A section of state highway M-28 was closed while several types of military planes landed, refueled, and took off. The COs provided scene security at various points where trails entered onto the highway. The COs worked in conjunction with the MSP, Alger County Sheriff’s Department, Alger County Road Commission, Munising Fire Department, USFS, Alger County emergency medical services (EMS), and the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

COs from across the state attended a Hunter Education Instructor Academy at the Ralph A. MacMullan Center. The COs were able to meet volunteer instructors from across the state and learned about additional course content and teaching methods.

CO Justin Vinson stopped a vehicle towing a boat with aquatic vegetation wrapped around his prop. CO Vinson informed the subject that all water and vegetation needed to be removed from his boat prior to transporting it. After educating the subject on the importance or preventing the spread of AIS a verbal warning was given.

CO Mike Olesen was patrolling Chippewa County for ORV activity when he stopped an ORV that was illegally operating along a state highway. After contacting the operator, CO Olesen could smell the order of intoxicants coming from the driver. At this time CO Olesen had the driver step out and perform SFST’s. The passenger insisted on stepping out to videotape the investigation. When doing so, kicked out a beer can that was hidden from view. The passenger was cited for possessing open intoxicants in an ORV and the driver was cited for operating an ORV on a state highway after passing the field sobriety test.

COs Justin Vinson and Cole VanOosten received a call from central dispatch of a group of four people who had gotten stuck and were now lost in a remote part of northern Luce County. After receiving coordinates from a cell phone ping, the COs drove to the general location and used their knowledge of the area to locate the stranded group. They were brought safely back to their campsite with help from the MSP.

CO Cole VanOosten was on patrol in Luce County when he observed an individual fishing from shore. Upon contact with the individual, he stated that he was not fishing but helping his grandson learn to fish. With nobody else in the immediate area, CO VanOosten asked where his grandson was. The man pointed to a young boy who was fishing with another adult approximately 150 yards away. The man was issued a citation for fishing without a license.

DISTRICT 3

CO Adam LeClerc and Sgt. Bill Webster were patrolling the slow no wake area of Clam Lake.  While the COs were watching the area, a jet ski started doing tricks in front of other boaters and people on the docks. His activity was causing a wake and people started yelling at him to stop. The jet skier took off heading up the lake. The COs were able to catch up with him and issue a ticket for the violation.

COs Tim Rosochacki and Nathan Beelman were patrolling in the area of the Clam River and Torch Lake when they observed a personal watercraft (PWC) operating at high speed, and within a slow no wake zone. Upon making a stop on the PWC, the operator did not have a driver’s license on his person and did not have any proof of boater’s safety. The operator provided his name, which did not come back with any record. Eventually the operator admitted to giving a false name because he was nervous about not having taken boaters safety. The operator was ticketed for operating greater than slow no wake and for careless operation of a PWC.

CO Tim Rosochacki and Cpl. Nick Torsky responded to a report of a pair of kayakers whose kayak had become swamped in rough conditions beneath the Mackinac Bridge. The COs arrived on scene at the same time as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) out of St. Ignace and assisted in retrieving the subject’s belongings floating in the water, while the USCG took them into shore for evaluation. Both subjects were wearing PFDs, which was paramount to their survival in the cold water.

COs Tim Rosochacki and Dan Liestenfeltz were patrolling Lake Charlevoix during the Boyne Thunder event. During a mandatory pre-event meeting, all vessel operators were advised of the 55-mph speed limit on Lake Charlevoix. While sitting stationary near a group of paddleboarders, the COs observed a vessel travelling at a high rate of speed in their direction. A radar reading recorded 112 mph. The COs made a stop on the vessel as it was entering the harbor and contacted the driver, who admitted to knowing the speed limit on the lake and that he was going “a lot faster than that.” A ticket was issued for exceeding the 55-mph speed limit.

COs Kyle Cherry and Tom Oberg were on marine patrol in Otsego County when they contacted a group of three anglers on a boat. One subject stated he did not have his fishing license on him. The COs ran a check in the licensing system and discovered the subject did not have a fishing license at all. As soon as the COs re-contacted the angler, he immediately admitted he did not have a license. A ticket was issued.

COs Kyle Cherry and Dan Liestenfeltz were on marine patrol on Torch Lake over the busy Independence Day weekend. While on the lake, the COs stopped a PWC that was missing registration numbers. COs immediately noticed signs of impairment and investigated for boating while being intoxicated. The subject was found to be BUI of alcohol. He was placed under arrest and lodged in Kalkaska County Jail.

COs Kyle Cherry and Dan Liestenfeltz were flagged down by a group of frantic boaters while on marine enforcement patrol on Torch Lake. A female subject, due in part to an elevated level of intoxication, had slipped on a boat, struck her head, and briefly went unconscious. Recognizing that the female was extremely disoriented and confused, the COs transported the female to EMS on shore where she was successfully taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol on Guthrie Lake when he came across a kayaker in the middle of the lake. CO Oberg asked the kayaker if he had a PFD with him. The kayaker stated he did not. Upon CO Oberg asking the subject for identification, the subject became very uncooperative and refused to identify himself. After some time, the subject provided CO Oberg with a name, in which the last name was false. CO Oberg stated to the subject that he would give him one more chance, otherwise he was going to be arrested and taken to jail. This time, the subject provided him with his real name. A ticket was issued for not having a PFD in a kayak.

CO Sidney Collins received a complaint from the Clear Lake State Campground workers that someone was not paying at a nearby forest campground and refused to leave. CO Collins talked with the campers who were claiming to be homeless and living there while looking for jobs and a home. CO Collins noticed there was a small child at the campsite as well. CO Collins assisted the family in recommendations for low-income housing. CO Collins found a camping site on state land for the family to move to that did not cost any money.

CO Sidney Collins was patrolling Montmorency County when she came across a motorist with a camper on the side of the road with their vehicle hood up. CO Collins stopped to see if she could assist the driver. The driver stated he had just broken a coolant line and the vehicle over heated. The driver was able to fix the coolant line but was not sure how much fluid was left. It was the driver’s lucky day, because CO Collins happened to have a gallon of coolant in her truck bed, along with bottles of water, to mix it with. The motorist was extremely grateful for CO Collins stopping and helping.  

COs Sidney Collins and Dan Liestenfeltz were on ORV patrol in Montmorency County when they saw a side-by-side without an ORV license. The COs made a stop and discovered that the operator appeared intoxicated. The operator admitted to having consumed beers throughout the day. CO Collins put the driver through SFST’s, in which the operator failed and was subsequently found to be two times over the legal limit. The operator was arrested for felony OWI due to this incident being his third OWI offense.

COs Sidney Collins and Brad Silorey represented the Law Enforcement Division for a “Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner” at the governor’s residence in Lansing. The COs met with the governor and other state law enforcement agencies.

CO Paul Fox followed up on a case involving an individual who was charged with felon in possession of a firearm the previous fall in Presque Isle County. The subject had an outstanding warrant for the weapon violation, as well as DNR violations. CO Fox contacted the subject at his residence. The subject was arrested for the warrants and lodged at the Presque Isle County Jail.

CO Paul Fox was patrolling a section of snowmobile Trail 99 in Presque Isle County that is closed to motor vehicles. The trail runs through a low wetland area and can only be used by snowmobiles during the frozen winter months. Illegal ORV use has created extensive damage to the trail and surrounding wetland. CO Fox observed several ORVs go past the closure signs, around the gates, and onto the closed trail. Contact was made and multiple tickets were issued for operating in a closed area.

CO Paul Fox was called to assist the Presque Isle County Marine Patrol with a capsized vessel on Grand Lake. A Mastercraft wake boat with five people on board was operating when they took a wave over the bow, flooding the boat with water and causing it to capsize. All occupants were taken to shore safely. CO Fox interviewed the parties involved and assisted in the removal of the capsized vessel.

CO Paul Fox assisted the Presque Isle County sheriff deputies and marine patrol with an intoxicated and non-cooperative subject on the north sand bar of Grand Lake. The subject, who was highly intoxicated and passed out on a vessel, eventually cooperated, and was taken to EMS for evaluation in lieu of being arrested for disorderly.

DISTRICT 4

CO Logan Turner and Sgt. Dan Bigger were patrolling the Platte River area near the weir when Sgt. Bigger noticed a child stuck against the weir grates due to the water pressure. The child’s family had already gone through the weir and did not notice the child was stuck. Sgt. Bigger was able to walk out onto the weir platform, pull the child out of the water and put them safely on the other side.

CO Ryan Andrews was assisting the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in searching for an individual who had assaulted a man and stolen his car. CO Andrews located the vehicle and the suspect at a gas station in Baldwin. After contacting the suspect to detain him, the suspect resisted all efforts to be taken into custody. A struggle ensued that led to CO Andrews being assaulted as well. After a short altercation, CO Andrews used his training and experience to take the suspect to the ground and placed him in custody. The suspect was evaluated by Life EMS for injuries and released to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for booking into jail. The suspect is being charged with numerous criminal charges, including resisting and obstructing an officer, assault, and auto theft.

CO Josiah Killingbeck, while on patrol in Lake County, observed an ORV operating that was unlicensed. CO Killingbeck contacted the subjects, and both said that they put a slow-moving farm equipment sign on the back of the ORV and figured it was “good enough.” CO Killingbeck advised the subjects that they needed to have an ORV license to operate on public roads in Michigan.  The driver said, “How can you expect me to know that.” CO Killingbeck explained that ORV regulations can be readily accessed. A citation was issued for failing to license an ORV.

CO Zack Walters assisted the Parks and Recreation Division at Silver Lake Sand Dunes for the holiday weekend. CO Walters wrote several citations within the park for exhibition driving, no seatbelt, and disobeying directional signs, all of which are safety concerns for the park. CO Walters also handled a personal injury report at the dunes, where an individual thought they had suffered spinal compression.

CO Ben Shively worked the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area on the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend. CO Shively worked stationary speed patrols on the entrance ramp into the dunes and issued three citations to subject operating at 35 mph plus on the 15-mph entrance ramp. CO Shively also issued citations for exhibition riding along the beach and operating an ORV without a helmet. CO Shively came across a side-by-side that had lost control on the entrance ramp and hit a guard rail causing the side-by-side to flip over the guard rail and land upside down against trees ten feet down from a retaining wall. There were no injuries in the accident.

CO Ben Shively was patrolling USFS roads closed to ORVs in Oceana County when he heard a side-by-side operating at a high rate of speed on the nearby county road. CO Shively positioned his truck facing the way the side-by-side would come and observed the side-by-side operating down the middle of the closed road and had it on radar traveling at more than the 25 mph ORV speed limit. CO Shively conducted a traffic stop on the side-by-side and found the driver had a four-year-old sitting on an 11-year old’s lap sharing a seatbelt. CO Shively explained the closure of the USFS roads, local ORV ordinances, and safety requirements. The subject was cited for careless operation and sent back to his campsite on federal land.

DISTRICT 5

While on marine patrol on Torch Lake in Kalkaska County, COs Charlie Jones, Ben McAteer, and Jacob Hamilton observed a PWC operating at greater than no wake speed in a no wake area. CO Hamilton contacted the operator and observed he was slurring his words. The operator admitted to having about five or six beers but said he felt fine. The PWC was escorted to shore and SFST’s were performed. The operator was arrested for BUI of alcohol and lodged in the Kalkaska County Jail.

CO Charlie Jones was on patrol in Kalkaska County when dispatch put out a “Be on the Lookout” for a vehicle all over the roadway and erratic driving traveling south bound on US 131. CO Jones observed the vehicle as the call came out and made a traffic stop. During the contact, odor of intoxicants came from the driver and vehicle. SFST’s were conducted, leading to the arrest of the driver for OWI. The driver was lodged at the Kalkaska County Jail.

COs Ben McAteer and Matt Zultak conducted a patrol on Houghton Lake in Roscommon County during Operation Dry Water. During the patrol, a vessel was observed returning to the boat launch without navigation lights. CO McAteer contacted the operator and immediately could smell the odor of intoxicants. CO McAteer conducted SFST’s on the operator. PBT results showed the boat operator to be three times the legal limit for operating a boat. The boat operator was arrested for BUI and lodged at the Roscommon County Jail.

COs Matt Zultak and Ben McAteer observed a vehicle operating down the center of the roadway in Roscommon County. The operator had been contacted by CO Zultak five days prior and established he had a revoked driver’s license. During the traffic stop, empty intoxicant containers were found in the vehicle, the odor of intoxicants was detected on the driver, and he was slurring his speech. SFST’s were performed, and it was determined the driver was OWI of alcohol. He was arrested and lodged at the Roscommon County Jail.

COs Breanna Reed, Ben McAteer, Matt Zultak, James Garrett, and John Huspen helped volunteers conduct a hunters safety field day at the Houghton Lake Sportsman’s Club in Roscommon County. Thirty students from all over the Lower Peninsula were educated about laws, ethics, and safe hunting practices.

COs Jessie Curtis and Casey Pullum were patrolling the Luzerne area in Oscoda County when they observed the operator of a dirt bike without eye protection. Upon further investigation and after conducting SFST’s, CO Curtis determined the operator was OWI of a controlled substance. CO Curtis arrested the operator and lodged him at the Oscoda County Jail.  

COs Jessie Curtis and Casey Pullum were patrolling Hubbard Lake in Alcona County during the fireworks show and received a complaint of a boating accident. Upon further investigation and after performing SFST’s, CO Curtis determined the operator was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for BUI.

After receiving multiple complaints of an unlicensed charter captain working out of the AuGres area in Arenac County, CO Phil Hudson was able to contact the vessel with all its occupants as it made its way back to port. The anglers on board informed CO Hudson they had paid the captain to take them out and catch walleye. The captain also admitted he had accepted money from his clients. He further explained to CO Hudson he had started to go through the correct process to be a licensed captain and get the necessary boat safety inspections, but just did not follow through. A citation was issued for operating as an unlicensed charter. The unlicensed captain was encouraged to get his operation legal if he wished to continue as a charter boat in Michigan.

DISTRICT 6

While patrolling on Lake Huron near Huron County, COs Matthew Neterer and Ethan Gainforth encountered an angler fishing alone and trolling with more than three lines. The subject’s registration numbers were displayed improperly, and he failed to affix his registration sticker to his vessel. The subject was found to have a prior conviction for the same violation two years ago. CO Gainforth issued a citation for fishing with more than three lines and gave the subject warnings for the other violations.

COs Dan Robinson, Michael Lator, Jake Daniel, and Adam Schiller were finishing up a dedicated BUI patrol in Isabella County when central dispatch put out a call for a crash involving an ORV and a vehicle. The COs responded and found an injured juvenile female, the operator of the ORV, and a sedan with three passengers who were uninjured. The driver of the sedan was arrested on suspicion of OWI and the injured ORV operator was transported to the hospital. 

CO Mark Reffitt responded to a complaint of a deer stuck in a well. When he arrived on scene, he observed a deer trying to jump out of a seven-foot-deep pit. The landowner advised the doe had been stuck there since the night before. The CO was able to make a ramp out of a piece of plywood and used his catch pole to help the deer out of the well. The doe ran off across the field, and CO Reffitt suggested the landowner keep the well covered to prevent the situation from occurring again.

DISTRICT 7

While checking anglers along the St Joseph River in Berrien Springs, CO Zach Bauer heard an Oronoko Township police officer calling for additional units for a foot pursuit. CO Bauer responded and located the officer struggling with the suspect. CO Bauer assisted, and they were able to take the subject into custody. The suspect had broken into an abandoned apartment and attempted to break in at multiple other residences.

CO Zach Bauer and Sgt. Chris Holmes were on patrol at Grand Haven State Park when they were notified of a fight on the beach. They responded and witnessed a subject punch another subject in the face. As they approached, the suspect took off running and a foot pursuit ensued. Park rangers were nearby and were able to assist with taking the suspect into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Ottawa County Jail on charges of resisting and obstructing officers as well as assault and battery.

CO Anna Cullen was monitoring a Muskegon County boat launch for AIS activity when she observed a vehicle pulling a vessel that had a large amount of weeds on both the trailer and vessel. CO Cullen stopped the vehicle, and the driver acknowledged the weeds, stating he was going to clean them off later. CO Cullen informed the driver that the weeds cannot be transported and need to be cleaned off at the boat launch before leaving. CO Cullen issued a citation for the violation.

District 7 COs worked multiple shifts at Grand Haven State Park over the holiday weekend. Over 5,000 contacts were made with forty citations issued for alcohol, general land use violations, and traffic offenses. Additionally, 91 warnings were given. One arrest was made for an assault and a resist/obstruct offense stemming from a fight on the beach. As a result of safety concerns and an attempt to overturn a law enforcement UTV on the beach, the park was closed for approximately four hours. Grand Haven Public Safety and park rangers assisted with the closure. 

DISTRICT 8

COs Cullen Knoblauch and Thomas Jaakkola received a complaint that a subject in Jackson County possessed a fawn without a rehabilitation permit. COs Knoblauch and Jaakkola arrived at the residence and observed a female walking the fawn on a dog leash. The suspect was educated on the legality of possessing a fawn without a rehabilitation permit. The fawn was transported to a licensed rehabilitator.

COs Ed Rice, Chris Reynolds, and Sgt. Chris Maher witnessed a vessel operating with an expired registration on Coldwater Lake Chain. They contacted the operator who put a cap over his beer and lowered it to the floor of the vessel. A strong odor of alcohol and marijuana was noted. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and a PBT was administered. It was confirmed the man was over the legal limit to operate a vessel. The man was arrested for boating under the influence and lodged in the Branch County Jail.

CO Jason McCullough received a complaint about a subject shooting deer in Calhoun County. CO McCullough contacted the suspect and obtained a confession. A firearm and processed venison were seized. Charges are pending through the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office.

COs Kevin Bunce and Jason McCullough were patrolling Goguac Lake at dark when they witnessed a 20-foot pontoon operating without navigational lights. Contact was made and a safety check turned up sixteen Type 4 throwable floatation devices, but no wearable PFDs for the eight passengers onboard. The owner was confused about the PFD requirements. Verbal warnings were given to the boaters.

DISTRICT 9

CO Dan Walzak observed a subject operating a PWC on Belleville Lake near the public launch. The subject on the PWC was constantly moving in between the vessels close to the dock and, when space would open, would make tight circles on the water. This would cause wake which would significantly rock the boats attempting to leave the water. CO Walzak contacted the subject who had a misdemeanor warrant from one of the local district courts. CO Walzak issued the operator a citation for causing wake within 100 feet of the dock and advised and released him on the warrant (per the entering agency).

CO Joseph Deppen was checking anglers coming into a local marina. CO Deppen started checking fishing licenses and fish when one fish looked short. CO Deppen and the angler measured the fish at 14 inches. The angler said, “Hmmm, it’s an inch short huh?” The angler’s friend spoke up and said, “I told you it was an inch short when you caught it earlier too.” Both anglers started laughing. The angler was cited for possession of an undersized walleye.

CO Joseph Deppen was checking for AIS activity in Macomb County. CO Deppen watched one angler fishing strictly for round goby. He would hook them and place them into a bucket, and then pour them into another bucket in a wagon. As he was packing up to leave, CO Deppen approached and found he was in possession of 60 round goby. The angler was cited for possession of live AIS.

BELLE ISLE

CO David Schaumburger was patrolling on Belle Isle and observed a vehicle behind him with an unrestrained passenger sitting backwards on her seat, twerking on the dashboard. The CO stopped the vehicle and observed two solo cups containing an unknown liquid. The driver stated the cups contained “juice.” When asked if there was also alcohol in the cup, the driver bowed her head and said yes. There was also an open bottle of tequila on the passenger side floor. The driver and passenger were cited for open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.

COs Andrew Monnich and David Schaumburger responded to the Belle Isle playscape for a report of a child stuck in playground equipment. When the COs arrived, they found a child stuck in a kids swing. She had been in the swing for approximately 20 minutes. With the help of the Detroit Fire Department, they were able to get the child out of the swing.

COs Brad Silorey and Marissa Hassevoort were working Belle Isle and responded to a call for a suicidal subject. They located an unconscious woman who had lacerations on her wrists. A nurse bystander was able to wrap the lacerations with cloth. COs Silorey and Hassevoort dressed the wounds and applied pressure until EMS arrived on scene. The woman regained consciousness and was breathing when she left with the ambulance.

CO Andrew Monnich was patrolling Belle Isle when he noticed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and weaving. A traffic stop was conducted, and signs of intoxication were noted. CO Dave Schaumburger assisted, and a breath test showed the individual to be four times over the legal limit. The individual was placed in custody and was lodged at the Detroit Detention Center.


GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)

Cpl. Pat Hartsig and Lt. Mike Feagan teamed up to work the Detroit Ford Firework show. The Detroit River was patrolled along with the USCG, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Windsor Police. A verbal warning was given for failing to attach a current registration.  The fireworks went off without incident on the water with boats being held back from the picket line set up by USCG for the pyrotechnic barges to set off fireworks safely.

Cpl. Pat Hartsig and Cpl. Troy VanGelderen assisted District 7 with the Grand Haven Fireworks. They patrolled Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven Channel for marine violations and to keep bystanders away from the fireworks zone. At one point in the patrol, Cpl. Hartsig was dropped off on the pier to assist local COs break up fights and clear Grand Haven State Park as well as the pier.