NRP Busy Over Labor Day Weekend
ANNAPOLIS—In addition to the boating accidents this past Labor Day weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police also are investigation a series of other incidents.Nine individuals were apprehended in Kent County for hunting Mourning Doves while baiting the birds into range with wheat. Lewis H. McDonald, 46, of Harwood; Richard E. Lankford Jr., 55, of Millington; Steven Willsey, 36, of Harwood; Brian A. Jefferson, 27, of Annapolis; Gary A. Jefferson, 51, of Annapolis; Samuel G. Willsey, 61, of Harwood; Andrew E. James, 55, of Cordova; and Steven E. Sutton, 61, of West River were issued citations for hunting or attempting to hunt mourning doves with the aid of bait. A 17-year-old juvenile was issued a warning for the same offense.
From Friday to Monday, Natural Resources Police (NRP) conducted Operation Sunset to remind people to be safe on the waterways of the state. NRP investigated 13 boat accidents that involved 9 personal injuries and one fatality. There were 38 alcohol related arrests, 6 involved boating and 22 were for underage drinking.
Weather conditions during much of the weekend were less then perfect for boating; strong ENE winds with cloudy skies. Boating activity was lower than normal for a Labor Day weekend. However, NRP issued a total of 1,193 citations and warnings during the holiday.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is an enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources. With an authorized strength of 214 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the Natural Resources Police provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.