May 8, 2009         
Vol. 39, No. 207

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Fish and Wildlife Agents Make Two Arrests
for Boating Under the Influence

            Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents made two separate arrests of boaters for operating under the influence on the evening of May 7. Both tested over the legal limit of .08 blood alcohol content in an intoxolyzer test.

            Agents on patrol stopped a vessel on the north side of Rehoboth Bay at approximately 7:18 p.m. John W. Sherman II, age 37, of 14465 Russel Street, Milton, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence (OUI).

Later, at approximately 10 p.m., agents stopped a vessel at North Shore Marina. John T. Kovalchich, age 50, of 266 Ridge Road, Fawn Grove, Pa., was arrested and charged with operating under the influence and a life jacket violation.

Both men will make mandatory court appearances at a later date. 

OUI laws are in place for good reason, noted Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of the Delaware Boating Safety Office.

“As with driving a car while intoxicated, operating a boat while intoxicated impairs the operator’s good judgment and places him or her as well as passengers and other boaters at risk. Before becoming intoxicated while on the water, recreational boaters would be wise to consider the risks – including arrest, fines and possible jail time as well as causing accidents and possible injuries,” said Sgt. Rhodes.

For further information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913.