District 1 counties of service: Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon.
CO Anna Viau assisted the Iron County Emergency Manager, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, and DNR fire officers in responding to severe flooding in northeast Iron County. The flooding caused significant road washouts, leaving several groups of homeowners completely cut off and inaccessible. CO Viau worked alongside local agencies to coordinate the emergency response and assess the needs of those stranded by the damaged infrastructure.
District 2 counties of service: Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft.
COs Alex French and Matthew Bowser assisted other DNR agencies at the Alverno Dam in Cheboygan County following concerns over its condition. The officers remained on-site throughout the night to monitor the dam’s structural integrity and provide necessary security for the area.
District 3 counties of service: Alpena, Antrim, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego, Presque Isle.
CO Jon Sklba was contacted by an elk guide claiming to have video proof of Sasquatch in Montmorency County. The video showed what appeared to be giant footprints in the snow with an exceptionally long stride. The legend of Sasquatch lives on.
COs Sidney LaLonde, Dan Liestenfeltz, Todd Bunce, Evan White, and Sgt. Paul Fox responded to the Presque Isle, Alpena, and Cheboygan Counties for flooding related emergencies. The COs conducted road closures, welfare checks, debris clearing, dam monitoring, and general policing patrols during the flood emergencies.
District 4 counties of service: Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, Wexford.
COs Tim Barboza, Logan Turner, and Brandon Benedict, along with Sergeant Ben Shively, assisted Newaygo County authorities during record-breaking flooding on the Muskegon River. Operating downstream from Croton Dam, the COs worked on the front lines to ensure public safety under hazardous conditions. Their efforts included issuing mandatory evacuation notices, maintaining strict site closures, and securing floating propane tanks to prevent further hazards. Additionally, the team remained on-site to provide critical emergency rescue standby as the river peaked.
District 5 counties of service: Alcona, Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Roscommon.
CO Jeff Goss investigated a large dumping site on state land in Gladwin County involving approximately 50 contractor bags filled with spoiled food. CO Goss located evidence linking the waste to a store nearly two hours away that had experienced a power outage. The store had hired a disposal company and further investigation identified a suspect living less than three miles from the dump site. Upon contact, the suspect confessed. Charges are being sought through the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Office.
While patrolling in Oscoda County, CO Nico Luna observed a side‑by‑side ORV crossing a highway without a visible ORV license. CO Luna initiated a stop and contacted the driver, at which point he detected the odor of intoxicants. Standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs) were conducted, and although the driver refused to provide a preliminary breath test (PBT), sufficient evidence was obtained to place the driver under arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI).
CO Nico Luna was patrolling near Mio in Oscoda County when he responded to a report of an assault in Luzerne. The report indicated that a subject had been struck in the head with a hammer and that the suspect had fled the scene on foot. Upon arrival, CO Luna found Oscoda County deputies already on scene securing the area and providing medical care to the victim. CO Luna located the suspect nearby and took them into custody. The suspect was then turned over to the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
District 6 counties of service: Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola.
CO Michael Lator was patrolling along the Pine River in Gratiot County when he observed two individuals fishing from the bank of the river inside a fenced area posted with “No Trespassing” signs. The CO conducted a fishing license check on the anglers and discovered neither one had a valid fishing license. Citations were issued.
CO Michael Lator was patrolling through the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area on the opening day of spring turkey season when he observed a vehicle parked on the side of the road with both front doors open. The CO approached the vehicle and observed two individuals who appeared to be turkey hunting. CO Lator checked each hunter’s license and asked if there were firearms in the vehicle. The driver admitted there were two loaded shotguns in the vehicle without cases. The CO obtained consent to check the firearms and confirmed they were both loaded and uncased in the cab of the vehicle. A citation was issued to the driver of the vehicle, and a warning was given to the passenger.
CO Cody Simmons received a tip that two turkey hunters in Huron County were ‘reaping,’ a method involving the use of a handheld or mechanical decoy to approach turkeys. CO Simmons located the hunters and observed them actively reaping before watching both individuals shoot a turkey. When the hunters returned to their vehicle, CO Simmons checked their licenses. Both hunters were using the new E‑tag system; however, one hunter had purchased his license approximately five minutes after CO Simmons witnessed them harvest the turkeys. CO Simmons seized the illegally taken turkey, issued the hunter a citation for hunting without a license, and issued warnings to both hunters for using a mechanical decoy.
While patrolling Huron County, CO Cody Simmons observed a large cloud of black smoke. CO Simmons assumed someone was sending him a smoke signal, so he followed it. Once he got to the source of the black smoke, he discovered that someone had been burning a mattress. The individual was issued a citation for open burning household solid waste.
COs Cody Simmons and Chris Kravitsky attended a 12-hour jury trial in Huron County for aid and abet of the taking of three illegal deer and recreational trespass. The jury found the defendant guilty of the illegal taking of one of the three deer and not guilty for the recreational trespass aid and abet. The defendant paid restitution for the illegal deer and lost hunting privileges for five years.
While on patrol in northern Isabella County, COs Adam Beuthin and Mike Haas observed an ORV traveling toward them in the middle of the roadway. Using their RADAR unit, they determined the ORV was traveling at 69 mph, which is 44 mph over the ORV speed limit. The COs turned around and caught up to the vehicle. A citation and warnings were issued for the violations, which included operating an ORV over the speed limit, operating in the middle of the roadway, failing to wear a seat belt, failing to stop at a stop sign, and operating without an ORV license.
CO Dan Robinson was patrolling in Isabella County when he observed black smoke rising from the opposite side of a lake. CO Robinson responded to investigate and located an unattended pile of tires burning in a wooded area. While contacting the fire department, he saw a subject arrive in a truck, exit, and roll three additional tires onto the fire. As the individual attempted to add a fourth tire, CO Robinson made contact. CO Robinson had dealt with the subject previously and explained the violations involved. Fire personnel arrived shortly afterward and extinguished the burning tires and spot fire. A citation was issued for intentionally burning tires, and warnings were given for the illegal disposal of solid waste. The pile contained at least 50 tires.
While on patrol in Saginaw County, COs Nick McNamee and Adam Beuthin observed an ORV being operated without an ORV license displayed. As CO McNamee continued to watch the vehicle, he also noticed what appeared to be open intoxicants in the cup holder. The COs conducted a stop and contacted the driver regarding the missing ORV license and suspected open alcohol. An open Twisted Tea was located, hidden with the passenger. Enforcement action was taken for open intoxicants in an ORV, minor in possession of alcohol, and operating an unlicensed ORV.
CO Alex Arndt was on patrol in Saginaw County when he was dispatched to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge for an injured bald eagle. CO Arndt was able to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator who was able to help locate and retrieve the bird. After the bird was retrieved it was determined that it had a broken wing and had slight lead poisoning.
While patrolling in Saginaw County, Sgt. Cary Foerster conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Gratiot‑Saginaw State Game Area. During the stop, CO Alex Arndt stopped to assist. The occupants of the vehicle were out‑of‑state turkey hunters who were transporting uncased shotguns in their truck. Enforcement action was taken, and one of the hunters was issued a citation.
CO Mike Eovaldi received a call about a male potentially burning down a trailer. The CO arrived on scene and located an individual burning part of a mobile home to dispose of it. A citation was issued for unlawful disposal of solid waste.
District 7 counties of service: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St Joseph, Van Buren.
COs Carter Woodwyk and Sam Schluckbier attended the Sundowners 4x4 Off-Road Club’s annual litter initiative clean up event in the Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. The Sundowners, the Off-Road Vehicle Association of Allegan County, and various other volunteers picked up approximately 45 yards of litter that had been dumped in the Allegan SGA.
CO Carter Woodwyk assisted the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department with establishing a perimeter for a hit‑and‑run suspect who was believed to be intoxicated. Using binoculars, CO Woodwyk located the suspect attempting to hide in a tree line. CO Woodwyk, along with multiple deputies and a K9 unit, approached the suspect, who was taken into custody without further resistance.
CO Carter Woodwyk received a complaint from the Report All Poaching Dispatch Center regarding two ORVs operating on illegal trails in the Allegan State Game Area. CO Woodwyk utilized his ORV to patrol the area and located two dirt bikes entering SGA property by driving around a clearly gated entrance. He conducted a stop and determined the operators were juveniles. The juveniles were escorted back to their residence, where both parents were issued citations for allowing youth to operate ORVs unsupervised. Additionally, one of the adults was found to have a felony warrant out of Allegan County, along with active warrants in Indiana and Wisconsin. The Allegan County Sheriff’s Department assisted by transporting and lodging the subject on the warrants
CO Travis Dragomer contacted two hunters walking through a field to their vehicle carrying turkeys. Both turkeys were untagged and one of the hunters did not have a valid license for the current hunting period. One citation was issued for taking a turkey outside of the licensed period, and one turkey was seized and donated for consumption. Multiple warnings were issued.
District 8 counties of service: Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Shiawassee.
CO Wes Butler received a tip that an individual had harvested a turkey without a license and did not purchase a license until the following day. CO Butler reviewed the suspect’s license history and interviewed him regarding his harvest report. The suspect admitted to shooting the turkey without possessing a valid license. He stated that he had submitted an application for a turkey license but had not completed the purchase. The suspect claimed he did not realize he lacked a valid license until the next day. CO Butler explained the importance of ensuring the proper license is obtained before hunting. Law enforcement action was taken.
While on patrol in Ionia County, CO Jeremy Beavers conducted targeted patrols in the Saranac Lowell SGA for illegal target shooting activity. There is a location in the game area that is utilized for target shooting daily and is the frequent source of complaints. During his targeted patrols, CO Beavers wrote a total of six tickets. Three tickets were for unauthorized targets, two for littering on public property, and one for shooting after permitted hours.
District 9 counties of service: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair.
CO Lisa Taube met virtually with Riley, a 15‑year‑old patient currently undergoing active cancer treatment, and a representative from Connecting Champions to begin an approximately six‑month mentorship focused on becoming a Conservation Officer. Connecting Champions pairs young patients with professionals in their dream career fields to help them explore potential career paths. The mentorship is expected to meet twice a month and, if the patient is able, eventually transition to in‑person meetings.
CO Lisa Taube responded to an in-progress RAP complaint for illegal turkey hunting in Iosco Township. Upon arrival, the suspects had fled the area in a black lifted pick-up truck. CO Taube met with the complainants and was provided video and photos of the suspects using handheld decoys while stalking turkeys. CO Taube and the complainants drove around the general area, eventually locating the suspects at an address just west of the original hunting location. CO Taube contacted the suspects who stated they had permission to hunt the property in question. At the time of the contact, the property owner did not wish to file trespass charges. When asked about using handheld turkey decoys while stalking the turkeys, the suspect’s stated that they saw a video on YouTube of others doing the same so they thought they would try it. CO Taube educated the hunters on Michigan’s Spring Turkey hunting regulations as well as advised them that a report would be filed with the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office for using an unlawful method to hunt wild turkey. Additionally, one of the suspects had already harvested his spring turkey and had not registered it within 72 hours. He was educated on how to do so as well as the new requirement.
CO Justin Muehlhauser received a complaint of a trespass involving a turkey harvest in Livingston County. CO Muehlhauser met the caller at the property, where the landowner reported hearing a gunshot around 8 a.m. and then observing the suspect retrieve a turkey from his property. Evidence located on the property included feathers, a shotgun shell, a wad, and a piece of shot. The caller wished to pursue trespass charges, and CO Muehlhauser set out to contact the suspect. Station 20 Dispatch assisted by using county GIS maps to identify the suspect and provided the suspects license purchase history. It was noted that the suspect purchased a turkey license approximately one hour after the incident occurred. CO Muehlhauser interviewed the suspect who, when confronted with the evidence, provided a full confession. Charges will be sought through the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Justin Muehlhauser was checking anglers near Stepping Stone Falls in the afternoon of opening day of walleye season. One angler was talking to the CO and explained that he was fishing at the same spot at midnight for the opener and caught a limit. The CO noticed that the angler had three fish on his stringer. The CO asked the man what time the season opened. He replied, “Midnight.” The CO then pointed out that it was currently 4:00 in the afternoon on the same day. The man quickly realized that he said too much then tried saying that he didn’t keep any of the fish the night before. Eventually the man confesses to keeping the fish. The CO discussed the importance of daily possession limits and advised the angler that charges would be sought by the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Justin Muehlhauser observed a dirt bike traveling the wrong way on the shoulder of Bray Road near Bluebell Beach. The dirt bike did not display an ORV license. CO Muehlhauser conducted a stop and contacted the operator, who stated he did not possess a driver’s license. CO Muehlhauser explained that operating without a driver’s license placed him in violation of the county ORV ordinance and, consequently, state laws prohibiting ORV operation on the roadway. While the CO returned to his patrol truck to run the subject’s information, the operator became nervous, jumped back onto the dirt bike, and fled the stop. The suspect did not realize he had already provided valid identifying information. A records check revealed the suspect had multiple warrants and a suspended driver’s license. COs attempted to locate the suspect but were unsuccessful. Charges for fleeing and eluding will be sought through the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Zach Adams responded to a complaint of a man maliciously and intentionally running over a Canada goose in a vehicle overflow parking lot of a major vehicle dealership chain in southeast Michigan. The suspect in the case was identified as the lead service director of the dealership, with over 15 years of experience working for the company. After interviewing the reporting party and dealership management team, the CO was provided with a video of the incident and additional photos of the suspect. CO Adams was informed that the suspect was terminated earlier that morning due to the incident. The following day, the CO went to the suspect’s house to conduct an interview. CO Adams received a full confession and apology from the man who killed the goose. The man was informed that he was facing felony animal cruelty charges among other more minor charges and infractions. The case is open and pending prosecutor review.
District 10 counties of service: Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne.
CO Andrew Werth conducted a fisheries patrol at Huroc Park. He contacted one angler to check his success and to verify that he possessed a valid 2026 fishing license. The angler stated that he did not have a 2026 license and had caught and kept several fish. CO Werth did not observe a bucket, bag, or stringer and asked the angler where the fish were. The angler stated that he had three bluegills inside one of the shoes he was wearing. He then removed his left shoe and produced three bluegills from inside it. The angler was cited for fishing without a valid 2026 license, and the bluegills were seized.
COs Andrew Werth and Nicholas Ingersoll conducted an ORV patrol in the city of Taylor where the two COs witnessed a four-wheeler operating on the roadway. The two COs ended up losing sight of the ORV and then regained visual on the ORV as it was cutting through a private business heading home. The COs contacted the operator at his house where it was discovered the operator was 12 years old. The COs contacted the minor’s father and the father said that this has been a recurring issue and that his son has fled from the Taylor Police Department before on his four-wheeler. The father was issued a citation for allowing an individual under 16 to operate an ORV unspervised.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was checking for anglers near Halfway Creek along Summit Street when he observed a male using a cast net in a closed area. CO Ingersoll contacted the angler after he had just fallen into the creek to retrieve the net he was pulling out of the water. CO Ingersoll checked his fishing license and determined that he did not have a valid fishing license. After checking the fish the angler had kept, it was determined that he had 25 non-game fish, two largemouth bass, and three crappies he had caught utilizing his cast net. The angler was cited for fishing without a license, utilizing a cast net in a closed area, and warned for taking bass out of season.
CO Brandon Vacek contacted a group of individuals at Sterling State Park in Monroe County after they nearly caused a boating accident involving a PWC. While one passenger attempted to climb aboard from the water near the docks, the PWC flipped the two remaining riders off, causing the craft to accelerate away from the launch area at a moderate speed. CO Vacek was able to reach the PWC from shore and stop the engine as it continued idling forward against the rock wall approximately 100 feet from the docks. The lanyard, which is designed to shut off the engine in the event of a dismount, was still attached to the PWC. Upon questioning the operator, it was determined that the lanyard had not been attached to the driver prior to departing the dock. CO Vacek issued the operator a citation for failing to attach the lanyard when operating a PWC equipped with one and provided additional marine safety education.
COs Eric Smither and Andrew Monnich responded to a complaint that an individual had killed a turkey on opening morning without a license. After interviewing multiple parties and investigating the incident, it was determined that the individual had used another person’s tag. Charges for buy/loan/use of another’s kill tag will be sought through the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office requesting charge for buy/loan/use of another’s tag.
BELLE ISLE
While patrolling Belle Isle State Park, CO Brad Silorey stopped at a gas station in Detroit for fuel. While in line to pay, a subject was arguing with the clerk regarding money he had been given to pay. The subject was asking for his money back and the clerk was refusing, stating it was counterfeit. The subject did not see CO Silorey standing behind him and after several moments, CO Silorey identified himself and detained the suspect and obtained his identification. The clerk handed CO Silorey what appeared to be a $100 bill and a $20 bill. The $100 bill stated in small print on the bill “for motion picture use only”. Both bills were run through an electronic detection system installed near the register and failed. The clerk stated that after he confronted the suspect on the bills, the suspect stated that it was just a joke. However, he did attempt to purchase $30 in fuel and lottery tickets with it. The suspect stated to CO Silorey it was a joke as well. CO Silorey advised the suspect that it was illegal to pass a counterfeit bill as true. The suspect had an additional counterfeit $100 bill in his wallet. The Detroit police were called on scene, and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. CO Silorey stayed on scene and assisted with completing the investigation with DPD officers.
CO Brad Silorey and Sgt. Danielle Zubek responded to a call on Belle Isle after a lost 6‑year‑old boy was located by a group of park visitors. CO Silorey and Sgt. Zubek contacted the child and the callers. A short time later, the boy’s mother was found in her vehicle, partially unresponsive and showing signs of an altered mental status. Determining she was unable to care for the child, CO Silorey and Sgt. Zubek requested EMS, who arrived shortly thereafter. The woman agreed to be transported to the hospital for medical evaluation. The child accompanied his mother and EMS, with CO Silorey and Sgt. Zubek following in an effort to locate a caregiver or relative. After several hours at the hospital, a family member arrived and took custody of the child.
GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)
Cpls. Pat Hartsig and Nick Atkin followed up with a wholesaler who provided live red swamp crayfish to a pet store in southeast Michigan. During the follow up a citation was issued for the sale of prohibited species.
Cpl. Nick Atkin conducted a net/spring turkey opener patrol around Saginaw Bay. No nets or turkey hunters were located on the patrol.
Cpls. Troy Van Gelderen and Justin Vanderlinde conducted a marine patrol from Pentwater to White Lake. Several vessels were checked, and one warning was issued for a marine violation during the patrol.
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde encountered an individual fishing on a closed trout stream. The angler was educated on how to look up and understand trout fishing regulations.
Cpl. Cole VanOosten worked several night shifts monitoring smelt dipping activity in Mackinac and Chippewa Counties. Compliance was high with most anglers catching their limit of smelt.
Cpl. Todd Sumbera patrolled the inland trout and walleye opener in Cheboygan County. Walleye activity was very slow; trout anglers were out in good numbers with some success. All successful trout anglers were catch-and-release only.
Cpl. Pat Hartsig checked walleye anglers in a local walleye tournament on the St. Clair River.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen found a staff buoy on the beach near Pentwater while checking pier fishermen. Cpl. Van Gelderen recognized the number on the staff as belonging to a tribal fisherman out of Ludington. Cpl. Van Gelderen returned the buoy and advised the fisherman to fix the line and put the buoy back on.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen spoke to the new marine deputies from around the state at the Marina Deputy School in Holland. Topics included AIS laws and commercial fishing activity.
Cpl. Jon Busken conducted multiple patrols around the Muskegon River in Muskegon and Newago Counties to assist with flood response.
Cpl. Mike Hammill has been checking subsistence fisherman throughout the Delta County area. Success rates have been high with both spearing and netting. The regulations in the Little Bay De Noc area are being followed and there have been no issues so far this year.
Cpl. Tom Peterson was first to a medical call that was determined to be an unwitnessed death. Cpl. Peterson arrived and verified that the individual had been deceased for multiple hours. The deceased was cold to the touch and no pulse present. Shortly after, medical and Houghton County Sherriff and the scene was turned over to them. Cpl. Peterson remained on scene to assist with the body removal.
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION SECTION (EIS)
Det. Gowenlock received a complaint from EGLE Water Resources Division staff regarding construction of a pond in a regulated wetland. After reviewing the evidence provided, he conducted a field interview with the property owner, who stated he had hired a contractor and believed all necessary permits would be obtained. After a neighbor suggested the area might be a regulated wetland, the owner contacted EGLE to confirm whether a permit was required. Det. Gowenlock then interviewed the contractor, who admitted to installing the pond and said he did not believe the area was regulated. Charges were sought through the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office violation of NREPA Part 303. The contractor was found responsible and ordered to pay $1,312.
