Fwc division of law enforcement - Florida Fish and Wildlife ...
Fwc division of law enforcement - Florida Fish and Wildlife ...
Fwc division of law enforcement - Florida Fish and Wildlife ...
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Investigator Kyle Patterson <strong>and</strong> Officer James Payne were conducting fisheries checks near<br />
the South Bridge in Fort Pierce when they encountered a subject in possession <strong>of</strong> a<br />
20-inch gag grouper. The minimum size limit for gag grouper is 24 inches. The subject was<br />
cited for the violation.<br />
Officer James Payne was conducting fisheries inspections at the North Bridge Boat Ramp<br />
when he checked a vessel coming into the ramp. The subjects on board at first said they<br />
had no fish, then they said they had only mullet. An inspection <strong>of</strong> their catch revealed<br />
several regulated fish. The subjects were found in possession <strong>of</strong> an undersized redfish, an<br />
undersized sheepshead, <strong>and</strong> an undersized spotted sea trout. One subject failed to<br />
possess a valid saltwater fishing license. The subject, who admitted to catching the fish<br />
with a cast net, did not have verifiable information <strong>and</strong> was arrested <strong>and</strong> booked into St.<br />
Lucie County Jail for the violations.<br />
COP<br />
Officer Cris Douglas <strong>and</strong> K-9 Boone participated in a Science Fair Open House for Saint<br />
Lucie County Middle Schools. Officer Douglas manned a K-9 booth <strong>and</strong> an alligator booth,<br />
where a small alligator was displayed. The booths <strong>and</strong> information provided were well<br />
received by many students <strong>and</strong> parents.<br />
Lieutenant Douglas Rogerson attended <strong>and</strong> manned an FWC booth at the annual U.S.<br />
Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce Open House. Visitors toured the base <strong>and</strong> many patrol<br />
boats from different <strong>law</strong> <strong>enforcement</strong> agencies, as well as Coast Guard cutters, were<br />
displayed. The FWC booth provided informative pamphlets relating to required safety<br />
equipment for recreational <strong>and</strong> commercial vessels, restricted speed zones, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
boating activities. The event was well attended.<br />
SOUTH REGION B<br />
COLLIER COUNTY<br />
On May 18, a Naples man pled guilty to killing a <strong>Florida</strong> panther, a violation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Endangered Species Act. The subject faces a maximum penalty <strong>of</strong> one year in prison, a<br />
fine <strong>of</strong> up to $100,000, <strong>and</strong> forfeiture <strong>of</strong> weapons <strong>and</strong> other equipment used in killing the<br />
animal. In October 2009, the subject was hunting from a tree st<strong>and</strong> when he knowingly shot<br />
<strong>and</strong> killed the panther with a compound bow. He attempted to conceal the animal <strong>and</strong> two<br />
days later, he moved his tree st<strong>and</strong>. That day an FWC <strong>of</strong>ficer located the dead panther in<br />
thick vegetation. FWC <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>and</strong> K-9 units combed the area for evidence <strong>and</strong> worked with<br />
the U.S. <strong>Fish</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wildlife</strong> Service <strong>and</strong> other entities on the completion <strong>of</strong> the investigation.<br />
Late at night after completing water patrol, RPS Officer Thomas Van Trees encountered a<br />
wreckless driver on U.S. Highway 41. The vehicle operator was stopped <strong>and</strong> he performed<br />
poorly on all field sobriety tasks. The subject stated he knew “the deal” because he already
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