12 DWI Suspects Arrested by Wildlife Agents in Louisiana During Operation Dry Water Weekend
Louisiana – Wildlife agents in Louisiana arrested twelve DWI suspects during Operation Dry Water Weekend.
From July 1 to July 3, the Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) arrested a total of 12 boaters throughout the state for allegedly driving or operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This action was taken in support of Operation Dry Water.
On July 1, agents arrested:
Johnny W Calton V is a 29-year-old resident of Grayson, Louisiana on the Ouachita River in Caldwell Parish.
Cody Overland, a 28-year-old resident of Independence, Louisiana on the Tickfaw River in Livingston Parish.
Brett D. Fitch, a 38-year-old resident of Cecilia, Louisiana on the Atchafalaya River in St. Martin Parish.
On July 2, agents arrested:
Eric Holley, aged 40, resides in Minden, Louisiana on Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish.
Justin Kelley, a 28-year-old man from Dry Prong, Louisiana on the Red River within Rapides Parish.
Robert W. Leblanc, who is 37 years old, resides in Ragley, Louisiana on Toledo Bend in Sabine Parish.
Brad Monistere, aged 52, residing in Ponchatoula, Louisiana on the Tickfaw River in Livingston Parish.
David Barrilleaux, aged 35, resides in Metairie, Louisiana on Lake Pontchartrain in Jefferson Parish.
Blaize M. Weatherford, a 28-year-old resident of Erwinville, Louisiana near the False River in Pointe Coupee Parish.
Robbie LaFosse, 49, of Lake Charles, Louisiana in the Calcasieu River Ship Channel located in Calcasieu Parish.
On July 3, agents arrested:
Dwayne Giroir, a 27-year-old resident of Pierre Part, Louisiana in the region known as Bayou Magazille, in St. Martin Parish.
Brian Frederick, aged 62, resides in Carencro, Louisiana on the Intracoastal Waterway in Vermilion Parish.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In Louisiana, committing a DWI offense while operating a vessel on water results in equivalent consequences as driving under the influence on land. These consequences include imprisonment, monetary penalties, and the suspension of both driving and boating licenses.
If someone is charged with a DWI while operating a vehicle or vessel, they will have their driver’s license and boating privileges revoked for the duration determined by the judge. Furthermore, every instance of operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence contributes to the overall count of DWI offenses, regardless of whether they occurred on the road or water.
In Louisiana, individuals who operate a moving vehicle or vessel while impaired can receive a DWI (Driving While Impaired). A first offense DWI can result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000 and a maximum of six months imprisonment.
The LDWF/LED, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and the U.S. Coast Guard initiated Operation Dry Water in 2009. For further details, please visit www.operationdrywater.org.