On January 2nd, an officer with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) was patrolling near River Ranch Hunt Camp, after responding to reports of poachers in the area. While patrolling, the FWC officer noticed a light on the River Ranch Hunt Camp property. Shortly after, he heard a gunshot. He approached the three suspects, confiscated their shotguns and detained them. According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the suspects jumped the FWC officer before running him over with an ATV.
Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to calls for help from the injured FWC officer. They were able to use GPS location from the FWC mobile computer to locate the officer (SmartMOBILE). This helped determine the closest deputies, and respond to render assistance. The officer was transported to the hospital for injuries and has since been released.
Nearly 100 law enforcement officers from FWC and several sheriff’s offices from the surrounding areas held a perimeter throughout the night. They conducted searches on the ground and by air for the suspects. During their search, law enforcement came across a submerged ATV and a cellphone. Officials tracked down the owner of the cell phone Sunday morning. Two men were arrested on attempted murder charges, and the third suspect is in custody after being apprehended in south Florida.
SmartCOP is proud to provide the mobile software that made it possible for law enforcement find and assist this FWC officer!
