Louisiana – Ten subjects were arrested by Louisiana Wildlife Agents for DWI on the water during the August 5-6 weekend.

Over the past weekend in Livingston Parish, enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries apprehended 10 people suspected of operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI).

Over the past weekend, the area around Blind River and Amite River Diversion Canal was heavily monitored by agents. This was because of a large outdoor event taking place, which could only be reached via boat.

On August 5, the following individuals were apprehended by the authorities for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):

Mary Louis, 29, of Prairieville, Louisiana
Gerald Palmer, 57, of Gonzales, Louisiana
Ryan St. Angelo, 29, of Gonzales, Louisiana
Christopher Pickering, 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lance Cook, 25, of Prairieville, Louisiana
Rodrygo Messias, 42, of Walker, Louisiana
Todd Wallace, 59, of Maurepas, Louisiana

The following individuals were apprehended by agents on August 6 for driving while intoxicated (DWI):

Brandon Hoover, 43, of Maurepas, Louisiana
Steven McDaniel, 38, of Prairieville, Louisiana
Anthony McNease, 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In Louisiana, the consequences and fines for driving while intoxicated (DWI) are identical, whether on water or on land; punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of driving and boating rights. If an individual is charged with a DWI anywhere, on land or water, they will have both their driver’s license and boating privileges revoked for a duration determined by the presiding judge. Additionally, every instance of operating a vehicle or boat under the influence is recorded as a DWI crime, irrespective of whether it occurred on water or land.

In Louisiana, a DWI charge can be leveled against anyone found operating a moving vehicle or vessel under the influence. A first offense DWI invites a penalty ranging from $300 to $1,000 and incarceration of up to six months.

The following officers are involved in these DWI cases: Lt. Will Roberts, Sgt. Randy Lanoux, Sgt. Toby Miller, Corporals Doug Danna, Chelsea Kling, Jared Riddle, Seth Courtney and Agent Ethan Arbour.