ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) today released the following incident and arrest reports. NRP is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.
CHARLES COUNTY: On Saturday, July 28, the Maryland Natural Resources Police patrolled the area of Fairview Beach on the Potomac River and provided security for the “Aquapalooza” event, with over 600 boats and 5,000 people in attendance. NRP made 2,120 contacts, 60 vessel safety checks, issued 10 citations, and arrested two for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
Leo Frank Wilmes, 42, of King George, Va. was charged with operating a motor vessel while under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vessel while impaired by alcohol, and operating a motor vessel while impaired by alcohol per se.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) stopped Wilmes operating his 32-foot Cabin Cruiser for a routine vessel safety inspection. USCG contacted NRP and requested assistance for a possible intoxicated operator. He was subsequently arrested by NRP and transported to the King George County, Va. Sheriff's Office. Wilmes took a breath test, which registered a blood alcohol concentration of .11 percent.
Later that night, NRP charged Valerie Ann Bennett, 43, of Stafford Va. with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and operating a personal watercraft between sunset and sunrise. She was transported to the King George County, Va. Sheriff's Office where she refused a breath test.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY: Maryland Natural Resources Police officers Sergeant Frank Ditmars and Corporal Catherine Peck participated in the annual “Shop With A Cop” program on Saturday, August 4.
The program is coordinated by the Optimist Clubs of St. Mary's with corporate sponsorship from Wal-Mart and ADF Bingo, and provides money to needy children to go back to school shopping with officers from various departments. The officers and the 70 participating children were treated to lunch at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 after their morning of shopping.
The program gives children a chance to shop for needed school supplies and get acquainted with police officers in a positive way.