Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Ponchatoula man for alleged operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) fourth offense on Sept. 5 in Tangipahoa Parish.
Agents arrested Matthew B. Saltzman, 42, for fourth offense DWI, flight from an officer, simple escape, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, operating a watercraft under a suspended license and three boating safety violations.
Agents were on patrol in South Pass located in Manchac around 10 p.m. on Sept. 5 when a vessel with no running lights passed them.
Agents were able to stop the vessel and since they suspected all four on board to be impaired towed the vessel about 400 yards to a fuel dock to perform field sobriety test on Saltzman. After the field sobriety test, Saltzman jumped into the water and escaped arrest.
On Sept. 6 agents received information that Saltzman may be at a camp on South Pass. The owner of the camp, who is Saltzman’s uncle, went inside and found Saltzman in his bathroom with a rifle. Family members were able to talk Saltzman into surrendering unarmed. Agents detained Saltzman at that time and turned him into the Tangipahoa Parish Prison.
Fourth offense DWI brings up to a $5,000 fine and 10 to 30 years in jail. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years in jail. Flight from an officer carries a $150 to $500 fine and up to six months in jail. Simple escape brings six months to one year in jail. Resisting arrest and operating a vessel with a suspended license each carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. The three boating safety violations each bring up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
Agents participating in the case are Capt. Len Yokum, and Senior Agents Brody Roberts and Doug Danna.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.