The Erie County Sheriff's office had a busy weekend on the waterways, dealing with disabled boats, issuing tickets, and even making a boating while intoxicated arrest.
At 11:15 p.m. on Saturday night, deputies stopped a boat on the Niagara river - just outside of Harbor Place Marina for operating without night time running lights, the Sheriff's office said. Once the deputies were on board, they arrested 53-year-old Mark Judd, who officials say was piloting the boat while drunk. The defendant will have to appear in court next month.
Boating while under the influence is a crime in all 50 states, and for all boats - including canoes, rowboats, and kayaks.
The Marine Unit also assisted four disabled vessels, but was also looking to make sure everyone was boating safely, the sheriffs office said. Officials watched for boats without the proper safety equipment, registration, or boaters ignoring safe speed limits. Authorities issued 24 tickets in total, the Marine unit said.
