DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Alex VanWagner was patrolling in Iron River and witnessed a vehicle pull onto the highway, with no lights on, well after dark. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver showed signs of impairment upon contact. Standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) were administered, and a preliminary breath test (PBT) sample was given by the driver. The driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) and lodged at the Iron County Jail.
In Menominee County, CO Steve Sajtar assisted with a one-vehicle rollover crash. Menominee County Central Dispatch advised responding units that the vehicle had rolled over and was taking on water. CO Sajtar arrived first on scene with a Menominee County Sheriff’s deputy and located the overturned vehicle approximately 40 yards from the roadway. The vehicle was partially submerged in approximately three feet of water. Despite having multiple injuries, the driver refused to exit the vehicle and was extremely combative and aggressive toward first responders trying to help her. Eventually the driver exited the vehicle and was taken into protective custody to prevent any further injury. The driver was transported to the hospital by emergency medical services (EMS) for further medical attention.
In Menominee County, Sergeant (Sgt.) Brian Bacon and CO Steve Sajtar assisted with a multi-agency search and rescue (SAR) on Lake Michigan. The search was initiated after an 18-foot sailboat containing one adult male and two juveniles failed to return to shore as planned. The sailboat was found over-turned the next morning approximately 11 miles from its last known location with no occupants on board. After a few hours of searching, the two missing juveniles were located deceased nearly two miles from the over-turned sailboat. Both juveniles were wearing personal floatation devices (PFDs).
In Menominee County, CO Steve Sajtar responded to a nighttime SAR on Lake Michigan. Menominee Central Dispatch advised that a 21-foot vessel was disabled and taking on water. The vessel contained three adult occupants. Due to rough water conditions response time was critical in preserving the lives of the three occupants. CO Sajtar boarded a vessel with the Menominee County Water Rescue Team and located the disabled vessel approximately five miles offshore when it deployed onboard visual distress signals (flares). The occupants of the vessel were transferred to another vessel and returned to shore without incident. CO Sajtar and the Menominee County Water Rescue secured the disabled vessel until a United States Coast Guard (USCG) vessel arrived and towed it to shore.
COs Phil Helminen, Jared Ferguson, Anna Viau, Alex VanWagner, Sgt. Brian Bacon, and Lieutenant (Lt.) Ryan Aho assisted the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department with a SAR of an older subject who had failed to return from a trail ride on a dirt bike. The subject was located after an extensive ground and air search. Unfortunately, the subject was deceased.
COs Shannon Wicklund and Steve Sajtar attended Family Fun Night in Menominee. Children got an opportunity to see a CO patrol truck up close along with a jet ski used for marine patrol. The COs answered questions, educated children on the role of conservation officers, and talked about marine safety.
CO Shannon Wicklund attended the Menominee County Fair fishing derby sponsored by Whitetails Unlimited – Camp Shakey Saloon Chapter. Nearly 100 children participated in the event. CO Wicklund assisted young anglers with baiting hooks, species identification of pan fish, and educated attendees on local fishing rules and regulations.
While sitting at an intersection, CO John Kamps observed a side-by-side drive past his location and none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. CO Kamps stopped the ORV and observed open alcohol containers in the cup holders and hidden next to the passenger’s seat. The driver was run through SFSTs and determined to be above the legal limit. The driver was arrested for OWI and lodged in the Marquette County Jail.
DISTRICT 2
CO Brandon Maki and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Detective Josh Boudreaux responded to a report of a boat taking on water in Munising Bay. They arrived to find the boat listing to its port side and barely above the surface of the water. The owner was on scene and attempted to pump the water out of the boat with no success. CO Maki requested the Munising City Fire Department, and they arrived a short time later with a larger pump. The COs, fire department personnel, and owner of the boat were able to pump enough water out to allow it to be towed to the city dock where it was placed on a trailer for inspection.
CO Steve Butzin was on patrol when Delta County Central Dispatch put out a call of a serious ORV accident near his location. CO Butzin responded to the scene and discovered that a side-by-side had left the trail, traveled into a ditch, and then struck several trees. One of the subjects had succumbed to their injuries on scene. The investigation was turned over to the Michigan State Police (MSP). Rampart EMS and Tri Star EMS assisted with medical care and Pro Towing assisted in removal of the side-by-side from the trail.
CO Michael Evink received a call from a salmon angler who had lost power to his boat approximately four miles south of Manistique Harbor. CO Evink loaded his patrol boat and met a Schoolcraft County deputy at the marina. The two officers patrolled out as a storm blew in and located the vessel. The officers guided the vessel in and assured it made it safely to port.
District 2 COs worked the Chicago to Mackinac sailboat races for two days and nights. Night patrols consisted of marine patrols around the island, in the state harbor, and patrols on the island's streets. Compliance was good and spirits were high, although rain did dampen the nighttime activities.
While on marine patrol CO Robert Freeborn and Corporal (Cpl.) Mike Hammill located a salmon angler who appeared to be fishing with too many lines. After making contact, it was determined the two anglers had eight lines out, which was two over the legal limit. A citation was issued for the violation.
CO Robert Freeborn received a call while off duty from the local sheriff’s department of a 43-foot sailboat in distress six miles from the port of Manistique. CO Freeborn met CO Mike Evink and a local deputy at the Manistique boat launch to assist the sailboat. The COs were able to locate the sailboat several miles east of town battling high winds and waves. It was found that the sailboat ran out of fuel and was unable to make it into the harbor. The COs followed the sailboat just outside of the harbor where they began to perform a side tow. Utilizing their patrol boat, the COs were able to maneuver the large sailboat through the harbor channel and safely to the fuel dock. The sailors were very grateful to the COs to be out of the wind and waves and in safe harbor for the night.
CO Mike Evink and Sgt. Mark Zitnik responded to Grand Marias to assist the Alger County Sheriff’s Department with a felony domestic violence incident that turned into a barricaded gunman situation. The COs arrived in Grand Marias and teamed up with the Alger County Sheriff’s Department, MSP, Pictured Rocks Park rangers, and a US Forest Service law enforcement officer (LEO). After the team briefed, they approached the man’s residence and cleared the home and surrounding buildings. They then followed tracks into the woods where they decided to wait for a K9 unit. Shortly after, the suspect was taken into custody near the home by a LEO who was keeping watch from an overlooking hill and observed the suspect attempting to sneak by. The Alger County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
CO Justin Vinson issued a citation to a charter boat captain who had failed to provide his required catch reports. CO Vinson had given the captain a verbal warning earlier in the month for the same violation.
CO Cole VanOosten was on ORV patrol in Luce County. CO VanOosten observed an ORV come around a blind corner at a high rate of speed. The operator locked up his brakes and exited the trail, narrowly missing the CO in his marked patrol truck. A stop was conducted, and a citation was issued for operating at a speed greater than reasonable.
CO Cole VanOosten assisted the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department with an investigation involving the illegal occupancy of state land. A man had been building an encampment and living remotely on state land. CO VanOosten and a deputy had located the camp, mostly underground, approximately a month earlier. The officers documented illegal cutting of over 70 trees and the man blocking the road with trees to prevent access to his encampment area. Sheriff’s deputies and CO VanOosten were able to contact the man in town to address the state land violations. The man was uncooperative with the officers, refused to identify himself, and was arrested for resisting and obstructing. It was determined upon arrest that the man was wearing high level ballistic body armor. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the man’s backpack and the encampment on state land where an identification was discovered. In addition to the resisting and obstruction charge, the man received citations for the camping violations, cutting trees on state land, and blocking roads/trails on state land. The man was lodged at the Chippewa County Jail and during his arraignment, he continued to be uncooperative with the court and his bond was set at $10,000. The illegal camping site was posted, and the subject served with a notice of trespass, giving the man a set amount of time to remove the property from state land.
DISTRICT 3
While working the Boyne Thunder Poker Run in Charlevoix County, CO Duane Budreau was tasked with keeping spectator’s boats away from the channel leading into Lake Michigan. With well over 300 boats in attendance, the efforts were shared with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department. While keeping the boats from anchoring or drifting into the pre-established route, CO Budreau observed several boats displaying expired registration stickers. CO Budreau contacted the boats and ticketed the vessel operators for operating watercrafts with expired registrations. Warnings were issued for those simply failing to display valid registrations.
CO Adam LeClerc was able to catch up with a camp on state land that had been established for over a month. The camp had trash strewn about throughout the surrounding area. The camper trailer had plates that did not belong to the trailer and was infested with rodents and insects. The subject was written a ticket for camping without a dispersed camp card. The subject was also given warnings for the trailer plates, litter, leaving a camp unoccupied for more than 24 hours, and camping longer than 15 days consecutively on state land. CO LeClerc also provided the camper with contacts for resources to help with homelessness and domestic violence survivors in the area.
Sgt. William Webster was on patrol early Sunday morning when he drove past a residence that had white smoke coming from the eaves and roof vents. Sgt. Webster quickly turned around and contacted three people exiting the back of the residence that was clearly on fire. No other occupants were in the home and Sgt. Webster dispatched the local fire department to respond to the fire and had EMS transport one victim with significant burns for medical treatment.
CO Kyle Cherry responded to a crash in Otsego County involving a garbage truck that had left the roadway. CO Cherry responded alongside multiple agencies and administered first-aid to the driver of the vehicle. The male subject ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
CO Kyle Cherry was driving to the district office in Gaylord when he came upon a single vehicle crash. CO Cherry observed a vehicle had struck a light pole at an intersection. The female driver was trapped in the vehicle. CO Cherry and Gaylord City Police officers assisted EMS to remove the passenger who was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
CO Jack Gorno contacted a vessel well after sunset on the Cheboygan River. The subject had one strand of white Christmas lights up for navigation lights around a side of the canopy. The operator advised CO Gorno they didn’t have front navigation lights, stating they “just quit working.” CO Gorno issued a ticket for operating without navigation lights and escorted them back to their marina.
DISTRICT 4
CO Logan Turner located a dirt bike being operated in a closed area in Grand Traverse County. Once the operator saw CO Turner’s patrol truck, he took off into the woods and was unable to be located. CO Turner located the truck that had transported the dirt bike to the area and discovered that the registered owner had several warrants out of Grand Traverse County. A week later CO Turner saw the truck, with the same dirt bike who ran from him, in the bed. CO Turner contacted a nearby sheriff’s deputy and informed him of the vehicle’s description. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was arrested on local warrants. A warrant request has been submitted to the prosecutor’s office for flee and elude on an ORV.
CO William Kinney received a complaint in Grand Traverse County of a vehicle on a well-used hiking trail. CO Kinney responded to the location given by the complainant. CO Kinney had noticed the vehicle drove over multiple berms and past three “No Motorized Vehicle” signs. The vehicle was located blocking the North Country Trail and the individuals were found camping near the adjacent lake. CO Kinney contacted the driver, who stated she had noticed the signs, however, did not take time to read them. The driver was issued a citation for operating a wheeled vehicle in a closed area.
CO Amanda Weaver received a complaint regarding an incident that took place at a state access site in Grand Traverse County where a subject identified himself as a conservation officer to two underage boys who were fishing. The suspect approached the boys, identified himself as an officer, and told the boys they were not allowed to fish there. A strange conversation ensued and one of the boys realized that something was not quite right with the suspect. While they walked away the juveniles attempted to locate the man in the DNR registry and instead discovered his Sex Offender Registration page. At the time CO Weaver received the complaint, the suspect was lodged in the Benzie County Jail for an unrelated incident. CO Weaver interviewed the subject at the jail. Charges were authorized by the Grand Traverse District Court for the individual impersonating a peace officer.
COs Josiah Killingbeck and Ryan Andrews responded to an ORV crash where the operator lost control and crashed into a tree. The victim’s wife transported the subject out to a roadway where there was cell service. Upon CO Killingbeck’s arrival, the subject was holding a belt around his leg attempting to slow bleeding down. CO Killingbeck dressed the wound, and the subject was turned over to EMS.
COs Ben Shively, Micah Hintze, and Acting Sgt. Mike Haas were patrolling Hardy Pond during the Damnation boating event when they received a complaint of a subject who was raising his jet motor out of the water and forcibly spraying vessels and people. The COs observed the suspect vessel untie from the back of a pontoon and start to motor away but after approximately 50 feet, raised his motor out of the water and hit the throttle causing a large jet of water to spray numerous vessels and people. A stop was conducted on the vessel and the operator was transported into shore where CO Shively administered SFSTs. At the conclusion of testing the subject was administered a preliminary breath test which resulted in a reading of .159, almost double the legal limit for operating a vessel. The subject was placed under arrest for boating while intoxicated and lodged at the Newaygo County Jail. He was also cited for careless operation of a vessel.
Acting Sgt. Mike Haas was patrolling in Oceana County when he noticed a vehicle in his mirrors tailgating traffic and passing numerous vehicles. Eventually the vehicle made it to Sgt. Haas and passed him traveling approximately 30 miles over the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver stated that he was distracted by the scenery and wasn’t paying attention to his speed. A citation was issued to address the speed violation.
DISTRICT 5
CO Charlie Jones was on patrol in Kalkaska County when he was requested to assist with a pursuit that ended in a crash in Garfield Township. The suspect reportedly fled on foot from the vehicle. After a quick foot chase, the Garfield Township officer lost the suspect in a heavily wooded area. Shortly after, the suspect attempted to carjack multiple vehicles, claiming to have a gun in his pocket. CO Jones arrived at the scene with his department-issued ATV. Working closely with other local law enforcement agencies, CO Jones used his ATV to search for the suspect's footprints on the ORV trail near the scene. He located the suspect's tracks heading westbound and back into the woods. Shortly after, Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers found the suspect at the base of a tree near the ditch and took him into custody. EMS was immediately requested due to injuries from the car crash. The suspect was later identified and was found to have multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants. The scene was cleared without further incident. Garfield Township officers will submit a report to the Kalkaska County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
COs Ben McAteer, Matt Zultak, Ryan Weakman, Tyler Sabuda, and F/Lt. Mark DePew conducted a group patrol on Crooked Lake in Clare County. The COs conducted a dedicated patrol focusing on boaters operating under the influence of alcohol. During the patrol, a vessel was observed operating with an expired registration decal. CO McAteer contacted the operator and observed several signs indicating intoxication. The boat operator entered the boat with the COs so SFSTs could be performed. As the boat operator entered the CO’s vessel, many of the family members began yelling at the COs, making statements such as, “My dad wouldn’t be driving us around if he was drunk.” Preliminary results showed that the boat operator was three times the legal limit for boat operation. The boat operator was placed under arrest for operating a boat while intoxicated (BUI) and the boat was turned over to a sober passenger on the boat.
CO Casey Pullum and an Oscoda County marine deputy conducted a marine patrol on the AuSable River in Oscoda County. While conducting surveillance of patrons on the river, CO Pullum noticed two separate flotillas (tubes tied together) with adults passing a burning marijuana joint around. As the flotilla approached CO Pullum, he contacted the group and educated them on the use of marijuana in public. Citations were issued for the use of marijuana in public.
CO Casey Pullum and an Oscoda County marine deputy conducted a marine patrol on the AuSable River in Oscoda County. While conducting surveillance of patrons on the river, CO Pullum noticed two separate flotillas (tubes tied together) with what appeared to be juveniles possessing and drinking alcohol. As the flotillas approached CO Pullum, he contacted the underage individuals and their parents, who were also in the group. CO Pullum conducted a short interview and, along with the use of the preliminary breath test machine, determined the juveniles had consumed alcohol. One parent attempted to provide the excuse that she felt it was a safe place for the juveniles to consume alcohol. Citations were issued for minors in possession of alcohol and the parents were educated on the possibility of being charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor.
CO Casey Pullum and a United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer (USFS LEO) were patrolling roads along the AuSable when a pickup truck coming at them crossed the centerline on a curve. CO Pullum conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and immediately detected signs of intoxication coming from the male driver. He informed CO Pullum that he had had more to drink that day while floating down the river than he had had in quite some time. CO Pullum performed SFSTs on the driver to determine his level of impairment. After conducting the tests, CO Pullum determined the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was severely impaired. A PBT was offered and determined to be over the .08 legal limit to drive. The driver was taken into custody and lodged at the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Department. Charges for OWI are pending with the Oscoda County Prosecutor.
CO Casey Pullum and a USFS LEO responded to an emergency call for a stranded boater approximately three miles offshore on Lake Huron. The charter captain was out conducting a scouting mission with a co-worker when the boat suddenly lost power in approximately 50 feet of water. The captain quickly analyzed the situation and determined not enough fuel had been put into the boat to complete the entire scouting trip. The quick-thinking captain knew help was a few hours away, so he dropped anchor to maintain his position and keep from drifting further away from shore. The officers assisted the stranded boaters in getting the engines running and escorted them safely back to the harbor.
COs Tyler Sabuda and Joshua Jobin were patrolling on Higgins Lake, when a personal watercraft (PWC) traveling at a high rate of speed passed several moored boats and people swimming in the water less than 100 feet away. The COs were able to stop the PWC and issue a citation for operating at greater than a no-wake speed less than 100 feet from a stationary boat.
COs Ryan Weakman, Matt Zultak, Ben McAteer, Tyler Sabuda, and Lt. Mark DePew participated in a marine patrol targeting BUI. The patrol took place on Clare County’s Crooked Lake during an annual festival known as “Bud Fest.” Several citations were issued for safety violations and one boat operator was arrested for BUI.
COs Ryan Weakman and Cheyanna Rizor assisted the Clare City Police Department with their annual youth police academy. CO Weakman presented to the kids, teaching them the roles and responsibilities of Michigan conservations officers in law enforcement. CO Rizor assisted with the physical training portion of the training on several mornings of the two-week academy.
DISTRICT 6
CO Adam Beuthin received a complaint of an individual who was feeding deer in the front yard of the reported residence. CO Beuthin responded and once at the residence, he remembered he had been at the residence approximately a year prior and had given the homeowner a warning for the same violation. The CO exited his patrol vehicle and observed a doe eating from a corn pile, on the ground approximately five yards away, pick its head up to look at the CO then go right back to eating from the corn pile. The CO contacted the homeowner and advised what was happening was illegal. The homeowner was issued a citation for feeding deer in an area closed to feeding.
CO Ethan Gainforth was checking bank anglers while patrolling northern Tuscola County. CO Gainforth contacted one angler with a bucket of bluegill in the back hatch of his sport utility vehicle. Upon further inspection, CO Gainforth located three largemouth bass less than the legal length of 14 inches. When CO Gainforth questioned the angler, he said his elderly mother who was with him caught and kept the fish. The angler said that he was unaware the short bass were in his bucket. The angler had previously used the same excuse two years prior and had received a citation for the same offense from CO Mike Eovaldi. CO Gainforth cited the individual and he will also be charged reimbursement for the three bass.
DISTRICT 7
CO Carter Woodwyk and Cpl. Troy VanGelderen were patrolling Lake Michigan near Whitehall when they heard about a search and rescue effort underway just south near Muskegon. The COs patrolled to the area and assisted the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department with collecting statements from other subjects onboard the vessel.
CO Carter Woodwyk and Cpl. Troy VanGelderen were just clearing their marine patrol in Whitehall when a Whitehall City Police officer pulled up to the COs and advised them of a four-year-old child that just was reported missing in the area. The COs assisted with searching the area and Cpl. VanGelderen ended up locating the missing child playing inside a random vehicle in a parking lot near the subject’s last known location. The child was reunited with its family who was happy to have him back.
CO Tyler Cole noticed a subject shore fishing, who was previously given a warning for fishing without a license, while patrolling inland lakes in Van Buren County. CO Cole stopped and checked the subject to ensure he had heeded the warning and bought a license before fishing again. It turned out that not only had the subject not purchased a fishing license, but he was also in possession of a 15-inch northern pike. Warnings were not issued this time around and the subject was issued tickets for all violations.
DISTRICT 8
CO Olivia Moeller and Acting Sgt. Ed Rice responded to a domestic situation involving a former husband and wife. Upon arrival, the COs discovered both parties arguing in a driveway. Further investigation uncovered the female, who was extremely intoxicated, assaulted the male. Sgt. Rice observed a small laceration on the man’s leg. The COs gathered information, took photographs, and assisted the MSP with arresting the female for domestic assault. The female was transported to the Hillsdale County Jail without issue.
CO Brandon Benedict was dispatched to a complaint of a goose shot in the back yard of a Livingston County home. The complainant advised she witnessed a male subject shoot and kill a goose. CO Benedict responded to the suspect’s residence and was able to identify who the suspect was from the complainant’s description. The suspect initially denied killing any geese, alleging that he was shooting near the geese to scare them away. However, after further interrogation, the suspect admitted to shooting and killing a goose. He advised CO Benedict the geese make messes around his pond which is why he shot it. CO Benedict took possession of the goose. A report is being filed with the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office for taking waterfowl out of season.
CO Nick Thornton checked several anglers fishing from shore at a popular spot in Branch County. During the checks, CO Thornton made eye contact with a male and female who were fishing several yards up shore. CO Thornton continued with his current check, but noticed the male and female packed up and started to walk away. CO Thornton was able to contact them prior to departing. CO Thornton learned both anglers were from out of state and never purchased Michigan fishing licenses. Both individuals were cited for failing to exhibit a fishing license.
DISTRICT 9
CO Brandon Hartleben visited and spoke to the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) campers at Cedar Lake in Waterloo State Recreation Area as part of their hunter safety curriculum for the week. There were about 35 campers and staff in attendance as CO Hartleben provided an overview of fish and game laws, described the job of a conservation officer, and fielded questions from the campers.
COs Brad Silorey and Bob Watson worked marine patrol on Lake St. Clair. The COs targeted marine violations in the St. Clair flats where there has been increasing amounts of careless operation resulting in crashes and injuries. The COs made numerous stops for safety issues, wake violations, and issued multiple citations. Tickets were issued for towing without an observer, failing to provide PFDs, and multiple wake violations.
CO Bob Watson participated in the 4-H St. Clair County Fair. CO Watson was invited to judge shooting safety posters for young shooters and helped youngsters shoot in the St. Clair County Pheasants Forever BB gun shooting trailer.
CO Zackary Cardinal was patrolling Lapeer State Game Area on his ORV when he spotted a lifted jeep going through a muddy section of road. CO Cardinal slowed down and watched the vehicle from afar and witnessed the jeep spin the tires and do donuts in the state game parking-lot. CO Cardinal stopped the vehicle after it left the parking lot still spinning its tires out into the roadway. The driver did not know CO Cardinal was behind him, watching him. The driver received a citation and was explained to that parking lots and roads in state game areas are a donut free zone.
While on marine patrol, COs Zackary Cardinal and Jaime Salisbury witnessed two children jumping off a bridge into the Holloway Reservoir. The COs approached the two children and were able to locate the parents at a docked boat nearby. CO Cardinal issued one of the parents a citation for allowing the minors to jump off the bridge.
CO Griffin Korican was working with the Milford Police Department on an ORV patrol in Milford Township when a call came out for a subject possibly holding his girlfriend at gunpoint. CO Korican and the Milford Police Department units arrived on scene along with the Wixom Police Department. The officers covered the door of the apartment from a secure position while the Wixom Police Department established that the suspect was still inside the apartment. The officers were able to get the girlfriend on the phone as she was able to get out of the apartment. CO Korican and the other officers ordered the boyfriend out of the apartment, and he was then placed under arrest by the Wixom Police Department. CO Korican and the Milford Police Department officers proceeded to clear the apartment for any further threats.
CO David Schaumburger encountered two shore anglers in St. Clair Shores. They said they caught a couple bass and a perch. One of the anglers produced a fishing license and the other said it was in his wallet at home. The CO looked in their fish basket and immediately recognized two bass were undersize. After measuring them, they were 12.5 and 13 inches long. After searching for the one angler’s fishing license, it was discovered he hadn’t bought one since 2017. A citation was issued for no fishing license so that reimbursement can be sought for the fish.
CO Joseph Deppen assisted the Parks and Recreation Division with an individual who refused to pay for a recreation passport and decided to launch his vessel. A citation was issued for no recreation passport and disorderly conduct in a state access site.
BELLE ISLE
CO Wesley Butler was on patrol at Belle Isle Park when he heard a loud crash nearby. Moments later, a bystander ran up to CO Butler’s truck screaming for help near the water. CO Butler grabbed his throw bag and ran to the location of the incident. The bystanders stated that a man had crashed his jet ski into the nearby bridge. Upon arrival, CO Butler saw an unconscious man floating face down in the channel. CO Butler yelled to the man but there was no response. CO Butler notified dispatch of the accident and stripped all his duty gear off so he could perform a rescue. When CO Butler swam up to the man, he was still unresponsive. CO Butler was able to get the man back to shore so he could perform CPR. Once they reached the shore, the man started to groan. CO Butler then placed him in the recovery position which allowed the man to cough up water and regain consciousness. CO Butler examined the man for injuries and found a large hematoma on the back of his head. EMS arrived shortly after and took the man to the Detroit Receiving Hospital. Due to the circumstances of the crash, CO Butler had reason to believe that the man was under the influence of drugs. The investigation is ongoing.
COs Brandon Vacek, Keven Luther, Danny Walzak, Josh Salas, and Cody Bourgeois worked a group marine patrol on the Detroit River with a focus on recent marine safety complaints around Belle Isle Park, especially the interior water canals off the Detroit River. The COs contacted numerous vessels while on patrol and addressed various violations. While patrolling the canal running along “hipster beach” on his PWC, CO Vacek observed a pair of PWCs operating relatively fast and making sharp turns. The CO navigated closer to the vessels and was contacted by a paddle boarder, passing by, expressing his concerns about the PWC operator’s careless behavior. When the CO finally caught up to the PWCs, one was stopped on the bank. There he observed one of the operators in a verbal altercation with a person onshore. The CO quickly beached his PWC and de-escalated the situation. Backup from the additional COs working the group patrol arrived shortly thereafter. All parties involved were interviewed by the COs to gather additional information. It was determined one of the PWCs had operated above slow no-wake speed within the 100-foot distance from a subject bathing in the canal. The subjects became furious with each other, a shouting match ensued, and quickly escalated. After further investigation, it was determined one of the PWC operators had no boater’s safety certificate, the other was found to be in violation of operating with improper distance, 100-foot rule, and the subject onshore was found to be in possession of alcohol on Belle Isle. All three subjects were issued citations for their respective violations.
Sgt. Shane Webster and CO Mike Drexler responded to a pedestrian versus bicycle call that ended up being a medical cardiac arrest. The COs assisted with the scene while EMS worked on the patient.
While working Belle Isle, CO Brandon Vacek was flagged down by a subject on the beach. The concerned citizen wanted to report a possibly injured or sick groundhog on the beach. The CO followed the subject to the beach and was surprised to see a large groundhog lying in the sand near the water’s edge. With no visible signs of injury or sickness, CO Vacek contacted CO Joseph Closser to assist. After some mild resistance, the COs were able to secure the animal in a small crate. The crowd observing the events was very appreciative of the COs efforts in making the beach groundhog free. CO Closser successfully relocated the animal to a heavily wooded area far away from the beach.
CO Joseph Deppen worked a Belle Isle Shift. Citations were issued for speed, no seat belt, driving while license suspended, no insurance, and no recreation passport.
COs Joseph Deppen and Griffin Korican were working a Belle Isle shift and began checking anglers along the shoreline. CO Deppen asked for fishing licenses and looked into a bucket they had nearby. CO Deppen noticed two undersized largemouth bass in the bucket along with bluegills and suckers. The angler who caught the fish produced a fishing license and identification. The three other anglers did not have fishing licenses. The largemouth bass measured out at 12 inches and 7 inches. The COs issued a citation to one angler for take/possess undersized bass and gave two verbal warnings for fishing without a license.
COs Joseph Deppen and Griffin Korican were closing Belle Isle and ensuring all traffic was clear before ending their shift. CO Deppen was near the old police station when he noticed two vehicles racing each other down Riverbank Drive. The two vehicles passed CO Deppen and he pulled out behind them clocking them in at 46 miles per hour (mph) in a 25-mph zone. The vehicles began to accelerate further heading toward the bridge and CO Deppen followed them. The vehicles were a red and blue Mercedes Benz. As they reached the bridge, both vehicles accelerated and hit 81 mph and 84 mph. CO Deppen activated his lights and sirens, and a traffic stop was conducted on Jefferson Avenue and Van Dyke just off the island. The red Mercedes stopped, and the blue Mercedes initially stopped, but then started to drive away. CO Deppen got a partial plate and wrote it down. Using the loudspeaker CO Deppen told the other vehicle to stop, but it continued and turned onto Van Dyke. CO Deppen watched it pull into the gas station and stop and the driver got out. CO Deppen spoke with the driver of the first car, and she admitted to her actions, but denied they were drag racing. She said, “It’s a straight away, nobody is out here, and it’s kind of fun to go fast.” She also denied knowing the occupant of the other vehicle. CO Griffin Korican arrived, and CO Deppen pointed out the second driver in the blue Mercedes. CO Korican drove to the gas station and detained the other driver. CO Deppen asked the driver if she knew how fast she was going, and she said “No, you’re never supposed to take your eyes off the road.” CO Deppen issued her a citation for 81 mph in a 25-mph zone and verbal warnings for careless driving and drag racing. At the gas station, the other driver admitted his actions were stupid. When he was informed, they were locked in on radar as they accelerated to 84 mph and 81 mph he replied, “I don’t think I was the one going 84 mph.” This driver was also issued a citation for 81 mph in a 25-mph zone and a verbal warning on careless driving and drag racing.
CO Ariel Young was conducting RADAR patrol at Belle Isle when a motorist drove past going 49 mph in a 25-mph zone. CO Young initiated a traffic stop. Upon contact with the driver, they stated that they were just trying to get around someone. CO Young informed them that they were going nearly double the speed limit and that with the beautiful weather, the island was very busy. CO Young issued a citation for the speeding and subsequent failure to provide proof of insurance.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll worked a Belle Isle shift. While on patrol, CO Ingersoll witnessed a sports car drifting around Woodside Drive near The Strand. CO Ingersoll watched the car travel at a high rate of speed, “drift” around the corner onto Woodside Drive and then proceed to almost crash into vehicles parked along the side of the roadway. The driver was stopped for reckless/careless driving. CO Ingersoll spoke with the driver, who was honest about his mistakes and said he was “running from someone.” When asked who this someone was, he could not give any further information. CO Ingersoll advised him that his driving was reckless and careless and was not tolerated on Belle Isle. CO Ingersoll issued the driver a citation for careless driving and no insurance on his vehicle.
Sgt. Shane Webster worked a Belle Isle shift and during the patrol one subject was stopped for going 55 mph in a 25-mph zone. The subject had five outstanding warrants and all agencies advised and released. The driver was cited for the speeding violation.
While patrolling Belle Isle, Sgt. Shane Webster responded to a medical call of an unconscious subject. Arriving on scene with CO Ariel Young and MSP units, the subject was found and quickly became conscious and more alert. The subject had a history of stroke and heart issues, so he was transported by Detroit EMS and expected to make a full recovery.
COs Les Bleil, Danielle Zubek, Keven Luther, along with Sgts. Damon Owens, Shane Webster, and Lt. Todd Szyska participated in Metro Youth Day 40th annual event occurring at Belle Isle Park. This is an annual event with thousands of inner-city youths and adult volunteers actively participating in educational games, career opportunities, talent search interest, and more. The goal of this organization is to broaden networking skills by allowing positive social interaction with participants ranging from 8- to 17-year-old children from metro Detroit.
CO Ariel Young was patrolling Belle Isle when she observed several vehicles parked illegally along the fire lane and in the beach parking lot. After attempting to find the owners of the vehicles and being unsuccessful, citations were issued for the illegal parking.
CO Ariel Young was conducting a stationary RADAR patrol when she encountered a vehicle travelling at 49 mph in a 25-mph zone. After stopping the vehicle and discussing the reason for the stop, the passenger stated that it was bogus to be getting a citation for speeding. Nevertheless, CO Young wrote the driver for speeding.
CO Ariel Young was conducting a stationary patrol near the USCG station at Belle Isle when she observed a vehicle that had too many children in the back seat for the available seatbelts. After conducting a traffic stop, it was determined that the unrestrained minor was only two years old. The driver was issued a citation for violation of the child safety restraint law and was made to call for a car seat and second car to help transport the children so that everyone could ride safely.
CO Jason McCullough was finishing his rounds of clearing Belle Isle after close when he observed a picnic table on fire at Shelter 5. Not armed with enough water to put out the fire entirely, he reached CO Ariel Young for assistance. CO Young arrived on scene and was able to supply a water bottle to finish fully extinguishing the remaining embers and saved the picnic table and shelter.
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION SECTION (EIS)
On August 17th, 2023, Det Josh Boudreaux was made aware of a large tractor that had been stuck in a wetland adjacent to Morrison Creek since sometime in June 2023, in Iron County. The investigation revealed that an individual had gotten the tractor stuck while attempting to clear a trail through a wetland for winter snowmobiling. The trail this individual was clearing traversed private, CFA enrolled commercial forest land (Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands), and US Forest Service lands. The property was accessed by clearing a path around a locked gate using the now stuck tractor. The submerged tractor, in addition to causing extensive rutting and disturbance to the wetlands, sustained a blown hydraulic line and leaked fuel, hydraulic fluid, and other substances into the waters of the swamp and into the adjacent Morrison Creek. Morrison Creek is a regulated type 1 trout stream and a tributary to the Paint River. The incident was referred to Det. Boudreaux for criminal investigation by EGLE Water Resources Division staff.
Through the investigation, Det. Boudreaux learned that in addition to the tractor, this individual had gotten two tracked vehicles stuck in the swamp less than a mile east of the tractor’s location while allegedly searching for logs to aid in the removal of his tractor. Both tracked vehicles were partially submerged and leaking fluids into the wetlands connected to Morrison Creek. After numerous opportunities were given to the suspect to remove his equipment, with minimal efforts taken, Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands secured a local contractor to remove the suspect’s vehicles from their property. USFS LEO Josh Lopac assisted on the investigation and cited the suspect for violations which occurred on federal lands.
Det. Boudreaux sought charges for three counts of ORV Trespass and three counts of Operate ORV in Wetland, per the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. On July 29th, 2024, the suspect plead guilty in the 95th District Court of Iron County to one count of ORV Trespass. The suspect was ordered to pay $435 in fines and costs and $18,972.50 in restitution to Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands to compensate them for their restoration efforts.
GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen taught a boater's safety class at the Pentwater Yacht Club with Deputy Simon of the Oceana County Sheriff Department. 13 students became certified.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen worked at the Fresh Coast Crossfit Games at the City of Muskegon beach. Cpl. Van Gelderen patrolled Lake Michigan near the athletes’ swim zone for athlete safety and to keep other vessels from entering the event's swim area.
Cpl. Nick Atkin conducted an interview with a charter boat captain and inland fishing guide with reporting issues. The individual was warned for violations and educated on the licensing and reporting requirements.
Cpl. Todd Sumbera and Lt. Kevin Postma assisted District 2 with organized group patrols for the Mackinac Island yacht races. Activity was low, and no issues were encountered.
Cpls. Tom Peterson and Mike Hammill patrolled the Fairport area. The officers checked several commercial nets and several sportfishing vessels. While returning to shore, the officers were able to assist a stranded vessel back into the harbor.
Cpl. Tom Peterson and CO Jon Kamps checked the Big Bay area for a report of two ghost nets. No ghost net was located, and one legally marked net was found in the location described in the complaint. The complainant was contacted and educated on legal net practices in the area, and how to safely navigate around them.
