DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Jenni Hanson contacted a boater on Lake Gogebic whose registration had expired in 2014. The operator claimed that he only used the boat for one week of the year. CO Hanson issued a citation for failure to display registration.
CO Alex VanWagner observed two subjects fishing in a pond in Iron County. The CO approached the subjects who immediately reeled their lines in. The subjects told the CO they talked about getting fishing licenses that day but decided to take a chance and fish without one. Both subjects were issued citations.
CO Alex VanWagner responded to a single vehicle crash in Iron County with Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers and an Iron County deputy. The vehicle had been engulfed in flames and a courageous passerby was able to remove the driver prior to arrival of law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS). The driver was transported to UP Health Systems Marquette, where he ultimately succumbed to injuries. The incident was handled by the MSP.
COs Steve Sajtar and Jared Ferguson contacted a taxidermist in Menominee County. In 2022, a bear hunter had dropped off a bear that had been shot unlawfully. The bear hunter did not have a license and tagged the bear with his wife’s permit. The hunter brought the illegally taken bear to a taxidermist, who accepted and sealed the bear. When confronted about the bear, the hunter admitted to shooting it without having a valid bear permit. The bear hide was seized, a citation was issued to the taxidermist for improper records, and a report was submitted to the prosecutor for charges on the hunter.
Menominee and Marquette County COs executed a search warrant in Marquette County after a homeowner had shot at a group of goose hunters with a .30-06 caliber rifle. Upon arrival to the house, the COs were not able to locate the suspect or his dogs. After searching the suspect’s property, the COs seized multiple firearms, empty rifle casings, drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and other evidence related to the crime. A report was submitted to the prosecutor.
In Menominee County, CO Steve Sajtar responded to a complaint of two unlawfully shot deer lying in a field. Upon investigation, it was determined that one of the shot deer was a 4-point buck. A witness had called the Report all Poaching (RAP) Hotline and reported the license plate number of the suspect’s vehicle. CO Sajtar tracked down the suspect and interviewed him. It was determined that the suspect was shooting under a Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit. The DMAP permit allowed the taking of does only. When CO Sajtar interviewed the suspect, a full confession was given. At one point the suspect stated, “The deer had its head down in the alfalfa, so I just assumed it was a doe.” Additionally, the suspect admitted to leaving the deer in the field without tagging it for several hours. Rather than report the buck as an accident, the suspect field dressed the deer and took the meat to his local processor. The deer head, meat, and empty rifle casings were seized for evidence. The seized venison was donated to a family in need. A report was submitted to the prosecutor.
COs Jeremy Sergey and Jackson Kelly received a report of a bear running through downtown Marquette. The bear was spotted by multiple residents as well as several security cameras. The COs, a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division biologist, and the Marquette Police Department searched for the bear but were unable to locate it.
CO Jeremy Sergey and Sgt. Mark Leadman were patrolling the Goose Lake outlet when a dirt bike illegally crossed through the stream and was attempting to illegally cross the railroad tracks. A citation was issued for operating in a stream.
COs John Kamps and Jackson Kelly were on patrol when they recognized an individual with warrants sitting in a vehicle. The COs pulled up the road and confirmed that the suspect had two warrants out of the 25th Circuit Court. By the time the COs returned to contact the individual, he had left the area. After a brief search, the COs located the individual a short distance away and arrested him.
DISTRICT 2
COs Robert Freeborn and Steve Butzin patrolled a local hot spot for early goose and teal waterfowl hunters. The COs set up on the lake well before shooting hours and observed several watercraft operating without navigation lights. Later that morning, the boats and hunters were observed operating without proper lights and were checked. There were several additional violations encountered such as unlawful blinds, no state waterfowl license, operating without navigation lights, and operating without a valid watercraft registration. Several citations were issued.
CO Brandon Maki was patrolling southbound on US 41 when a vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. CO Maki initiated a traffic stop and upon contact, the driver stated she was only speeding when she passed the last vehicle. CO Maki informed her that she had passed him, along with several other vehicles and he had followed her for some time before the traffic stop. The driver then stated that she believed the speed limit was 75 mph. CO Maki informed her of multiple large white signs she had passed that stated the speed limit was 55 mph. CO Maki issued a citation for speeding and cleared the scene.
On a very busy Labor Day weekend, COs Andrea Dani, Rob Freeborn, Steve Butzin, Mike Evink, Brandon Maki, and Sgt. Mark Zitnik performed a group patrol in Grand Marais and the surrounding area focusing on illegal ORV operation. Throughout the day, the COs issued 17 citations for violations ranging from operating on a public highway, no ORV registration, operating without a helmet and no seatbelts. The COs spoke with multiple residents of Grand Marais who were grateful for their presence.
COs Andrea Dani, Brandon Maki, and Sgt. Mark Zitnik left their ORV patrol when dispatched to a wildfire nearby. The COs met with the complainants who spotted smoke from their boat while on South Gemini Lake. The complainants gave directions to where they believed the fire may be. The COs then trekked through the swamp and located a duff fire caused by a lightning strike. The COs attempted to put the fire out while directing fire crews to the location. Once more personnel were on the scene, the fire was contained.
DISTRICT 3
COs Chad Baldwin, Nathan Beelman, Duane Budreau, and Adam LeClerc conducted a multi-day off-road vehicle (ORV) patrol on Beaver Island. After numerous complaints of ORVs operating in closed areas, including driving on Great Lakes shorelines, the COs saturated the island to educate and take enforcement action on those not in compliance of the laws. Several illegal ORV trails were located on state land which allowed ORVs access onto the shoreline. Multiple state land use violations were also discovered during the patrols and the COs ensured to check each area they received complaints about. Several tickets were issued ranging from ORV to motor vehicle code violations.
CO Chad Baldwin made a stop on an unlicensed side by side ORV operating on the roadway. During the contact the operator told CO Baldwin she had never heard of the registration decal and did not know one was required. She was also unaware that she was required to wear her seatbelt while operating and if she chose not to wear a seatbelt, a helmet would be required. A local sheriff’s deputy arrived on scene and asked to speak with CO Baldwin. The deputy informed CO Baldwin that he had just recently warned the ORV operator for the same violation and that she understood a registration decal was required. CO Baldwin issued a ticket for the violation.
COs Nathan Beelman and Chad Baldwin were on ORV patrol on Beaver Island when they observed a vehicle that had two occupants who were not wearing seatbelts. The COs could also smell the odor of burnt marijuana after the vehicle passed their location. A traffic stop was initiated, and the passenger was observed with a marijuana roach still burning in the vehicle. The remnants of open containers of alcohol were also observed in the passenger’s possession and both subjects admitted to not wearing seatbelts. Law enforcement action was taken.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling in Montmorency County when he observed an ORV traveling down the center of the road at a high rate of speed. CO Liestenfeltz used his radar and was able to observe a speed readout of 50 mph. The ORV operator saw CO Liestenfeltz and abruptly turned around in a very aggressive and careless manner. CO Liestenfeltz immediately activated his emergency lights and siren and caught up to the ORV. The operator of the ORV looked back at CO Liestenfeltz and quickly turned down a two-track. The ORV continued to travel approximately 60 mph down the two-track attempting to flee CO Liestenfeltz. The ORV then pulled out onto a section of powerline where ORVs are not legally allowed to operate. The operator of the ORV turned back and looked at CO Liestenfeltz again and continued to speed up. Eventually, the operator stopped the ORV and immediately started shouting how sorry they were for trying to flee. Law enforcement action was taken.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Montmorency County when a vehicle came around a curve at a very high rate of speed and lost control. The vehicle’s mirror hit CO Liestenfeltz’s patrol truck mirror and then the vehicle came to a stop. CO Liestenfeltz immediately observed that the vehicle also did not have a license plate. CO Liestenfeltz then attempted to turn around to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. At this time, the vehicle sped off at a very high rate of speed. CO Liestenfeltz was able to turn around and catch up to the vehicle. CO Liestenfeltz immediately activated his emergency lights and siren. The vehicle sped up and was actively fleeing CO Liestenfeltz. Using his radar, CO Liestenfeltz was able to observe the vehicle traveling approximately 90 mph down a very rural dirt road. CO Liestenfeltz called out a pursuit with Montmorency County Dispatch and continued to attempt to stop the vehicle. After almost four and a half miles, the vehicle lost control and came to an abrupt stop in a field. CO Liestenfeltz was able to get the driver in custody and it was then determined the driver was only 16 years old and did not have a driver’s license. The driver also admitted that there was no insurance on the vehicle. Due to the subject’s age, they were turned over to their legal guardian and the vehicle was towed from the scene. Charges will be sought through the Montmorency County Prosecutor’s Office for flee and elude, reckless driving, operating without a license, operating without insurance, and disregarding a stop sign.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz had just checked into service when Montmorency County Dispatch advised him of a single vehicle injury accident less than a half mile from his location. CO Liestenfeltz arrived on scene and the driver of the vehicle had just entered the ambulance. It was determined that the operator of the vehicle had driven straight through a curve sending the vehicle over a large berm and into the trees causing full airbag deployment. CO Liestenfeltz immediately noticed signs of intoxication when speaking with the operator. The operator also admitted to drinking five to six beers within the last hour before the crash. CO Liestenfeltz obtained a search warrant for the operator’s blood and met the subject at the hospital in Gaylord. CO Liestenfeltz served the search warrant on the subject and medical staff gathered the subject’s blood. Blood results will determine if charges will be sought for the operator.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz had just cleared the Otsego Memorial hospital when he observed a vehicle continuously crossing the center line and fog line. CO Liestenfeltz also observed that it appeared the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed. Using his radar, CO Liestenfeltz was able to observe the vehicle traveling 81 mph in a 55 mph zone. Due to this and the suspicion for possibly operating when intoxicated, CO Liestenfeltz initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. CO Liestenfeltz immediately observed signs of intoxication. CO Liestenfeltz performed standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) on the subject which were not passed. The subject was extremely intoxicated and blew a .20 in the preliminary breath test (PBT). The subject also had their three year old son in the vehicle. CO Liestenfeltz placed the subject under arrest and lodged them at the Otsego County Jail. The child was turned over to their grandparents per request of the arrested subject. Charges are being sought for operate while intoxicated (OWI) with a high blood alcohol content, OWI with child endangerment, and the speeding violation.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Montmorency County when he observed a vehicle driving down the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle also appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed. CO Liestenfeltz used his radar and observed the vehicle traveling 91 mph in a 55 mph zone. CO Liestenfeltz initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and immediately noticed signs of intoxication. CO Liestenfeltz conducted SFSTs on the operator which were not passed. The subject blew a .146 on the PBT and was lodged. Charges are being sought for OWI and the speeding violation.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz, Nathan Beelman and Alex Bourgeois were conducting a marine patrol on the Cheboygan River. The COs contacted the operator of a boat for an expired registration. Upon speaking with the operator, the COs immediately observed signs of intoxication. The operator refused to leave his boat for sobriety tests and refused to take a PBT. The suspect began to get very aggressive and physically resisted arrest. A search warrant for the subject’s blood was obtained and the blood was drawn by medical staff at the Cheboygan County Jail. The subject was lodged and charged with boating under the influence (BUI) and resisting and obstructing a police officer.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz responded to a complaint of a vehicle that had appeared to have hit an automated teller machine (ATM) in Lewiston. The caller also stated that the operator was just at a nearby store and appeared to be extremely intoxicated. CO Liestenfeltz arrived on scene and observed the vehicle near the ATM as it was rolling extremely slowly across the parking lot. CO Liestenfeltz also observed a single shoe behind the vehicle and the vehicle door open with the operator’s leg hanging out. CO Liestenfeltz initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the bank’s parking lot. CO Liestenfeltz had to order the subject to put the vehicle in park and shut it off. CO Liestenfeltz ordered the subject out of the vehicle and when the operator stepped out, multiple single pills fell off the subject’s chest. The pills appeared to be Oxycodone. The operator admitted to taking Oxycodone throughout the day as well as multiple other prescriptions that they were not supposed to be driving while taking. CO Liestenfeltz conducted SFSTs on the subject which were not passed. The operator was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of drugs. The operator consented to a blood draw and medical staff drew the subject’s blood with no issues. The subject was lodged, and further charges will be sought pending the blood results.
CO Alex Bourgeois responded to check a harvested elk during the first hunt period of the elk season. Upon arrival, the hunter advised CO Bourgeois that he had accidently killed two cow elk. Upon conclusion of the investigation, CO Bourgeois seized the second elk and donated it to the Alpena Sportsmen’s Club. Charges for the illegal kill are being requested through the prosecutor’s office.
DISTRICT 4
CO Logan Turner was patrolling the Betsie River when he came across a group of anglers fishing for salmon. After watching for several minutes, one of the anglers caught a fish. Despite being hooked in the tail, the angler kept the fish and immediately packed up and began to leave. He was contacted and cited for retaining a foul hooked fish.
CO William Haskin was patrolling Wexford County on public land and located a trail that was being maintained with a brush hog/rotary cutter and was not actually an open trail but a created one. Further investigation led to CO Haskin finding four tree stands on public land before September 1st, with no identification on them. Three of the locations were baited and a small food plot was created at one of the locations. CO Haskin located the suspect while he was on the trail operating an ORV in a closed area and actively baiting the stands. The suspect was written for multiple violations and given warnings on other charges with the promise to clean everything up and stop creating the trails.
COs Amanda Weaver, Logan Turner, Sam Koscinski and Sgt. Grant Emery responded to Arcadia in Manistee County to assist the United States Coast Guard (USCG), MSP, and Manistee County Sheriff’s Office after a boat sank in Lake Michigan. After searching for several days, efforts are still ongoing to recover one of the victims of the accident.
CO Josiah Killingbeck responded to a report of an ORV crash with injuries and was the first on scene. CO Killingbeck learned that the juvenile had snuck out of his residence late at night. The juvenile was operating at a high rate of speed and forgot about a T-intersection and missed the stop sign, striking a fence and then a tree. CO Killingbeck treated the subject for his injuries and a citation was issued due to numerous violations.
COs Josiah Killingbeck and Kyle Publiski were checking salmon anglers after dark at a local Mason County fishing hole on the Pere Marquette River. CO Killingbeck contacted a subject who was fishing in a hidden area and not using a light. CO Killingbeck determined that the subject was fishing with illegal gear. The subject told CO Killingbeck that he had no idea what the regulations were pertaining to fishing salmon. The subject was educated on legal fishing lures and a citation was issued.
CO Josiah Killingbeck responded to a late-night RAP complaint of subjects fishing for salmon who were trespassing on private property and parking in the roadway in Manistee County. CO Killingbeck arrived in the area and located three vehicles blocking the roadway and parked illegally. The subjects said that they always parked like that and couldn’t believe it was illegal to park in the roadway. CO Killingbeck addressed numerous motor vehicle code violations and citations were issued.
CO Ben Shively patrolled the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area over the holiday weekend and issued numerous citations for excessive speed on the entrance ramp and beach, along with citations for no seatbelt usage and no eye protection. Numerous warnings were also given.
DISTRICT 5
COs Jeffrey Panich, Tyler Sabuda and Jesse Grzechowski assisted the 3rd Special Forces Group in training exercises for Operation Northern Strike. The COs provided vessel support for security and medical response on training dives and other maritime operations.
COs Jeffrey Panich, Tyler Sabuda, Brad Bellville, and Kyle Bader attended the annual Outdoor Extravaganza at the YMCA camp near Clear Lake in Ogemaw County. The event is hosted by the Ogemaw/Oscoda Conservation Districts. The COs operated the Hunter Education Laser Shot trailer and taught youths about safe firearm handling and ethical hunting practices. The COs also had a display of pelts from multiple fur bearers in Michigan and demonstrated multiple methods for taking those animals in Michigan. The COs were also able to use the opportunity to talk to the public about Aquatic Invasive Species in Michigan and how best to avoid spreading the species.
CO Tyler Sabuda was patrolling Tawas Lake in Iosco County when he contacted a waterfowl hunter. The hunter had shot two wood ducks during the early teal season. CO Sabuda seized the wood ducks, and the hunter was issued a citation for taking the wood ducks out of season.
CO Ryan Weakman concluded an illegal dumping case in Clare County that involved the disposing of several pick-up truck loads of trash on state land. CO Weakman was able to locate two suspects in the case and conduct interviews. All suspects confessed and citations were issued for litter. Instructions were given to the suspects to clean up the trash they had dumped, and properly dispose of it in a landfill.
While patrolling Haskell Lake, CO Ryan Weakman observed four ORV operators trying to free an ORV that had become stuck along the shoreline of the lake. The entire Haskell Lake area is closed to ORV operation. The operators advised they had been out there for over an hour attempting to get the ORV unstuck. CO Weakman explained to the operators they had been riding in a closed area. The group had several other violations, including operating an ORV in a wetland and not having ORV registrations / trail permits. CO Weakman assisted the operators in getting the ORV unstuck with as minimal damage to the shoreline as possible. Multiple citations were issued to the ORV operators.
DISTRICT 6
While traveling on M 46 through Montcalm County, CO Mike Haas noted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed during a heavy rain. The CO caught up to the vehicle and paced it at approximately 75 mph in a 55 mph zone and found the registration plate on the vehicle expired for over a year. A traffic stop was conducted, and it was discovered that the driver lacked a valid driver’s license, there was no insurance on the vehicle, and he had numerous warrants for his arrest. The subject was advised and released for three arrest warrants and received a citation to address the various violations.
During a late evening ORV patrol around the Crystal area, COs Mike Haas and Adam Schiller stopped an ORV operating on the roadway over the speed limit. The machine was equipped with three seatbelts, however there were four people on board, and no one was using a seatbelt. Two of the riders were young children, sleeping and sprawled out in the passenger compartment. The COs warned the driver for operating with too many passengers, lacking an ORV license, driving on the roadway, and speeding. A citation was issued to address the lack of seatbelts.
CO Jacob Robinson was patrolling in Montcalm County when an angler came into the boat launch. A fishing and marine inspection was conducted, and the CO found the subject to be in possession of two very nice bass. The subject did possess a valid fishing license; however, he did not have current MC numbers or registration on the watercraft that had an electric trolling motor attached. A citation was issued for no registration on the watercraft.
CO Michael Lator was patrolling the Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County when he observed a camp established in a parking area without a camp card posted. The CO contacted two individuals at the camp and advised them that camping in a state game area from May 15th to September 10th is prohibited. The CO issued a citation for camping in a state game area when prohibited. Further investigation revealed the subject had a valid warrant for his arrest from a neighboring county. He was ultimately advised and released stating that he would take care of the warrant as soon as possible.
DISTRICT 7
While on patrol in Berrien County, CO Travis Dragomer observed an ORV illegally being operated upon the county roadway. The operator was carrying a one year old and a three year old upon the ORV that was only designated for one person. Neither the operator nor the children were wearing helmets and the ORV was not licensed. Citations were issued for operating on a public roadway, no helmet, and for carrying passengers when not designated for such use. A warning was given for the unlicensed ORV.
COs Casey Varriale and Justin Ulberg were on Spring Lake in Ottawa County when a report of a missing person was broadcasted on the radio. The report stated a person jumped off a boat at a flotilla event and never resurfaced. The COs responded to the area and assisted the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department in the search. After approximately an hour, it was determined the swimmer was safe on another boat.
COs Casey Varriale and BJ Goulette were on marine patrol in the Grand River in Ottawa County where they witnessed two teenagers waterfowl hunting. The hunters were checked which resulted in an unplugged shotgun, no waterfowl stamp, and two failures to provide personal floatation devices (PFDs) for their kayaks. Since the hunters were young, they were educated on their violations and given verbal warnings.
DISTRICT 8
Sgt. Rich Nickols assisted the Bath Township Police Department at a standoff with a subject in an altered mental status. During the standoff, the subject set a fire outside his home and began breaking out all the windows. After several hours, the subject was eventually coaxed out of the house and taken into custody for treatment.
CO Marc Mankowski was on patrol and noticed a car that had not moved in 24 hours at a state game area. Upon running the license plate in LEIN, the vehicle belonged to an individual who was reported missing three days prior. Local law enforcement agencies were notified the car had been located and a K9 team from the MSP and members of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search for the missing person. The subject was located deceased a short distance from his vehicle.
CO Pete Purdy, while on boat patrol, contacted an angler in a kayak on Lake Chemung. The angler was unable to produce a fishing license and advised that he had purchased one because he went fishing on Lake St. Clair in May. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) communications advised the subject hadn’t purchased a fishing license since 2019. The angler swore he had one and asked if he could row back to shore and retrieve it from his vehicle. After a lengthy wait, the subject rowed back to CO Purdy and admitted that he didn’t have a license. But, while on shore he purchased an online license. CO Purdy thanked him for his recent purchase and issued him a citation for no PFD.
DISTRICT 9
CO Cody Bourgeois worked ORV patrol in an area closed to ORVs on state land. CO Bourgeois wrote several tickets for no ORV registration. CO Bourgeois also had two dirt bikes come into the closed area to ride. The CO caught the riders before they had a chance to run. Both riders were issued tickets.
CO Griffin Korican was patrolling in Oakland County for ORV activity and observed two four-wheelers operating on the sidewalk along M 59. CO Korican stopped the two ORVs and discovered the operators were 16 and 10 years old. Oakland County is closed to ORV operation off private property and the 16 year old did not have a driver’s license, neither had ORV safety certificates. CO Korican followed the two operators to their residence and issued the father of the operators a citation for allowing the operators to operate under 16 years of age without supervision and safety certificates.
CO Griffin Korican re-interviewed a suspect from a previous case after finding evidence of an 8-point buck being taken over bait in January. The suspect admitted to taking the deer over bait while hunting private land in Oakland County. CO Korican went to the taxidermist where the buck was taken and seized the antlers and cape as evidence. Charges are being sought through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Joshua Salas was on patrol when he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. Upon contacting the driver of the vehicle, the CO learned that the operator of the vehicle had a suspended driver’s license. The CO checked the individual through DNR dispatch and discovered the individual had 16 outstanding warrants for other traffic offenses, however the agencies would not pick up on the valid warrants. The individual was notified of his warrants by CO Salas and issued a citation for driving while license suspended (DWLS).
CO Luke Robare made a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The driver was alone in the car and was only 15 years old and on a restricted learning permit. CO Robare contacted the juvenile’s parents and had them come pick them up. CO Robare also issued the juvenile a citation for the violation.
CO Luke Robare worked marine patrol with CO Justin Muehlhauser and Sgt. Jason Becker. They stopped a small flat-bottomed boat with no registration. CO Robare contacted the two people in the boat, and they stated that they did not know they needed registration on their boat. The two individuals said they were 18 years old. CO Robare asked if they had any alcohol in their cooler and they both looked at each other and paused before saying they didn’t. CO Robare asked them to open the cooler and that’s when they confessed that they had alcohol. They had multiple cans of beer that they were forced to dump out. CO Robare issued the operator of the vessel a citation for an unregistered watercraft.
COs Justin Muehlhauser and Luke Robare checked a vessel with two occupants who were fishing on Lake Ponemah. Upon checking their basket, CO Muehlhauser noticed a largemouth bass which appeared undersized. The angler stated that it was 14 to15 inches. The subject then measured the fish in front of the COs and said, “Oh, I guess it’s 13 and a half.” CO Muehlhauser took the fish and measured it closer to 13 and a quarter. When the subject learned that he would be receiving a citation for the undersized fish, he became increasingly agitated. He argued and insulted the COs as they explained how to take care of the citation for possessing undersized bass.
COs Sydney Griffor, Griffin Korican, and Corporal (Cpl.) Pat Hartsig patrolled the Port Huron Float Down on the Great Lakes Enforcement Unit vessel. Port Huron Float Down is an unsanctioned event where participants float down the St. Clair River on innertubes from Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron downstream to Chrysler Beach in Marysville. There were thousands of participants. The COs towed several participants back to the US side of the river after the wind brought them to the Canadian side. During the patrol, dispatch received a call of two females physically fighting in their innertubes in the area that COs Griffor, Korican and Cpl. Hartsig’ s vessel were at. The COs were able to locate the described individuals and eventually separated the parties who were assaulting each other. With the help of the St. Clair County Marine Division and other officers in the area, the parties were separated and their float down experience quickly ended.
CO Sydney Griffor was traveling westbound through an intersection in Marysville when a vehicle travelling southbound blew the red light, almost t-boning CO Griffor’s patrol truck. CO Griffor saw the vehicle last minute and was able to speed up to avoid a crash. CO Griffor conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the young driver stated she was not paying attention. The driver was issued a citation for disregarding a red light.
While patrolling, COs Brad Silorey and Cody Bourgeois responded to a safety zone hunting complaint in northern St. Clair County. The complainant stated that the hunters were in a field and were too close to his house while goose hunting. COs Silorey and Bourgeois arrived and spoke with the caller and by using a laser range finder, found the hunters to be within the caller’s safety zone. Hunters are required to be 150 yards from an occupied dwelling, building, or barn. Contact was made and citations for violation of hunting inside the safety zone were issued.
While on ORV patrol, CO Joseph Deppen stopped an ORV operating in a prohibited area. The driver also had a revoked license. CO Deppen issued a citation for operating on state lands in a prohibited area and a verbal warning for DWLS ORV. The driver switched with a passenger, and they cleared the area.
COs Mike Drexler and Brandon Hartleben were on marine patrol when they observed a vessel displaying an expired registration. When the COs contacted the vessel, they learned the current owner failed to transfer the registration to his name last year when he purchased it. During a safety inspection, the owner produced a fire extinguisher that was not serviceable or functional. A citation was issued for operating an unregistered vessel and warnings were issued for the additional violations.
COs Mike Drexler and Joe Deppen teamed up to work a Washtenaw County patrol. The COs worked all over the county for early goose season, ORV activity, and checking anglers along the Huron River. The COs issued one fishing without a license citation and a littering citation for one subject who threw his 25 ounce can of beer into the woods when he observed the COs approaching him.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll and Probationary Conservation Officer (PCO) Elliot Worel contacted an individual at Halfway Creek Boat Launch who CO Ingersoll had recognized from a previous complaint. CO Ingersoll knew the individual had outstanding warrants in Monroe County. After the COs verified the individual’s warrants, the COs advised the individual he was under arrest. The individual advised the COs that he was not going to jail today, and he would rather die. The COs spent several minutes talking with the individual calming him down waiting for additional units to arrive. After the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene, the COs and deputies were able to peacefully solve the issue and arrest the individual for his warrants without incident. He was lodged on his three warrants out of Monroe County for DWLS.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Elliot Worel were patrolling Sterling State Park when they contacted a group of three anglers. During the contact and fishing license check, the COs determined that one of them did not have a fishing license. After speaking with the angler for several minutes, it was determined he was going through a rough spot in life and just needed to get away. The COs were advised by dispatch that he had an outstanding warrant for child support out of Washtenaw County. The COs arrested the angler without incident and turned him over to Washtenaw County.
COs Brandon Vacek and Keven Luther conducted a kayak patrol of the Huron River during the busy holiday weekend. The COs contacted a pair of kayakers to check for PFDs onboard. One of the subjects insisted his PFD was thrown to a subject that overturned and never returned. The second subject admitted to not having a PFD. The pair was issued one citation for failure to have a PFD onboard a kayak.
BELLE ISLE
CO Marc Mankowski was patrolling Belle Isle when he came across a car parked in the middle of a lane. The driver was found asleep at the wheel and when CO Mankowski woke him up, he admitted to taking an edible, drinking some beers, and that he didn’t know how he got on the island. The driver had multiple active warrants and was taken into custody.
While on Belle Isle, CO Pete Purdy observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed towards several park workers clearing a fallen tree from the road. CO Purdy stopped the vehicle. It was discovered that the vehicle didn’t have a recreation passport and the driver admitted to driving around the booth. He also had two warrants for his arrest, however, the holding agency was unable to pick up the subject. While talking with the individual, CO Purdy noticed something under his shirt on his hip. The subject advised it was an empty pistol holster. He advised that he had a concealed pistol license (CPL), and the pistol was in the vehicle. The subject was ticketed for entering a state park without a recreation passport and received warnings for speeding, and a CPL holder failing to immediately advise carrying a pistol.
CO Joshua Salas was patrolling on Belle Isle when he stopped a car for speeding. Upon stopping the vehicle and contacting the driver, the CO noticed an open alcohol container in the vehicle. CO Salas asked the individual what was in the cupholder, to which the individual responded, “I’m just drinking a soda pop.” The CO also ran the vehicle through LEIN and learned the vehicle was unregistered, uninsured, and using an improper plate from another vehicle. Upon further investigation, the CO also learned that the operator of the vehicle had 13 active warrants. The individual was arrested on the valid warrants, lodged, and issued a citation for speeding and open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.
CO Mike Drexler worked a busy holiday Belle Isle afternoon shift. Six parking citations were issued, and one driver received a speeding citation after passing the CO over 15 mph over the speed limit. CO Drexler also assisted CO Olivia Moeller with arresting and lodging a subject for OWI.
CO Brandon Hartleben assisted CO Marc Mankowski on a report of an unconscious female laying on the ground near Shelter 19 on Belle Isle. CO Hartleben arrived on scene after CO Mankowski had already administered the first dose of Narcan. Other civilians in the area had also come over to assist and had been talking with the victim prior to her collapse. CO Hartleben requested that EMS step up their response as the subject was experiencing agonal breathing. The COs got the subject into the recovery position and tried to help cool her down with an ice pack, as she was sweating profusely. The subject was identified after locating her operator’s license in her bag; no less than eight pill bottles were in a Ziploc in her bag. It was still unclear if the subject was suffering a medical emergency or experiencing an overdose. EMS arrived on scene after the subject had begun breathing more normally and was regaining consciousness. Further questioning by EMS, after getting the subject loaded onto the ambulance, produced the remnants of a small black plastic baggie that was tucked into her pocket. The subject finally indicated that she had taken what she believed to be cocaine prior to losing consciousness. The subject was transported by EMS to the hospital.
Before clearing an overdose situation, MSP Station 20 contacted COs Brandon Hartleben and Marc Mankowski for a vehicle versus bicycle accident near Shelter 11. COs Hartleben and Mankowski arrived on Riverbank Road in front of Shelter 11 and contacted the involved parties and witnesses. The cyclist only suffered minor scrapes and bruising and refused medical treatment. Interviews with all parties indicated that the motorist had failed to clear the cyclist when changing lanes. The cyclist was travelling on the right-hand side of the right lane per state law and was clipped/bumped by the vehicle operator. Witnesses to the crash, who were riding their motorcycles, confirmed this sequence as did a pair of bystanders who had just parked in that same area. CO Mankowski collected witness statements and information as well as the victim’s statement and information. CO Hartleben interviewed the operator and later the victim and facilitated the exchange of insurance information between the two parties. The vehicle operator was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way and a UD-10 report was completed.
While patrolling Belle Isle, Sgt. Shane Webster observed a vehicle pass him at a high rate of speed and continue to weave through traffic. Radar indicated the subject was travelling at 42 miles per hour, well over the 25 mph speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted, and it was found the operator had six outstanding warrants for traffic violations, was suspended nine times, and had no insurance on the automobile. The subject was given his 10th DWLS charge, and the vehicle was impounded. All warrants were advised and released per the agencies.
GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)
While checking commercial fishing nets, Cpl. Brett DeLonge observed a sportfishing boat possibly trolling with too many lines for the two anglers aboard. Cpl. DeLonge contacted the anglers, who were trolling with 2 extra lines and did not have a required throwable PFD. Cpl. DeLonge issued a citation for fishing with too many lines and a warning for the PFD.
While conducting an aquatic invasive species (AIS) patrol at a boat launch, Cpl. Mike Hammill encountered a Wisconsin resident who purchased a one-day Wisconsin license to fish the “boundary waters” in Delta County. Cpl. Hammill explained to the individual that he was approximately 50 miles from the closest boundary water. The gentleman gladly went to the closest licensing agent and purchased a Michigan fishing license.
Cpls. Craig Milkowski and Todd Sumbera attended a meeting in St. Ignace for operation “Safe Harbor,” a mock disaster and evacuation of Mackinac Island exercise taking place the week of Labor Day.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen and Lt. Kevin Postma provided assistance to District 4 conservation officers in the search for a drowning victim near Arcadia. The COs responded with the unit’s towable side scan sonar and ROV. A full day of searching was unsuccessful.
Several GLEU conservation officers, along with COs from Districts 2 and 3, provided security for the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk. Three patrol vessels were utilized as part of the security detail that closes an area 1000 feet on either side of the bridge to marine traffic during the event. There were no notable incidents.
