Escambia County

FWC officers responded to a complaint of an individual keeping a fawn deer as a pet. Officers Rondeau and Roush arrived at the residence, and an inspection of the yard revealed a spotted fawn deer secured by a leash. They noticed a Ford Expedition with individuals matching the description given earlier by the complainant. The driver was arrested for presenting a counterfeit identification card, driving without a driver’s license, interference with FWC officers and possession of the fawn deer. The subject was booked at the county jail. The fawn deer was taken to Airport Veterinarian Hospital for observation prior to being released to Wildlife Rescue.

Bay County

Lieutenant Jay Chesser responded to a boating accident late at night involving a subject who had been thrown from a vessel and struck by the vessel's propeller. The victim had been transported to the hospital with a severe cut to his buttocks. The vessel collided with a navigational aid and the ejected victim was run over. The vessel’s operator was booked at the county jail for an outstanding felony warrant from Wyoming and charged with violation of a navigational rule resulting in an accident.

Putnam County

Investigators responded to a complaint on the St. Johns River in Palatka about shots being fired at fishermen. During the investigation, it was determined the shots were fired from a dock, supposedly at a snake, by the son of the property owner where the dock is located. The case was reviewed by the state attorney, and one count of fisherman harassment and one count of exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm were filed.

Volusia County

Officer Rick Francis responded to a vessel in distress that had been struck by lightning in the vicinity of Ponce De Leon Inlet. The vessel's operator, an adult female, and the passenger, a juvenile male, were returning from a fishing trip when the thunderstorm moved through. Both vessel occupants were injured, including severe burns, dizziness and blurred vision. The vessel’s electronics and fishing equipment were damaged. Both victims were transported to a local hospital.

Sarasota County

Sarasota County officers responded to a helicopter crash in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 2 miles northwest of Venice Inlet. The helicopter was conducting a magazine photo shoot when it crashed into the path of a large raceboat. When Officer Erickson arrived, he noticed the captain of the raceboat struggling to assist one of the occupants of the helicopter. He immediately entered the water and kept the two subjects afloat until other rescue personnel arrived. Two of the three subjects on the helicopter were killed, and the third subject was airlifted to the hospital.

Okeechobee County

FWC officers initiated a surveillance detail in response to a complaint of a subject feeding an alligator. After several days of covert observation, the subject was observed calling to the alligator to gain its attention and then feeding it chicken wings. The subject was arrested for the violation.