Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents and Louisiana State Police (LSP) troopers issued numerous boating safety citations and made a total of 8 DWI arrests while patrolling the waterways for the 2025 Tickfaw 200 Poker Run on May 2 and 3.
LDWF agents in conjunction with LSP troopers conducted vessel patrols in the area to address the increased vessel traffic, providing public safety on the water during this annual event.
On May 2, agents arrested Wallace Wolfe, 54, of Gonzales, Todd Bourgeois, 38, of Paulina, and Dustin Miller, 24, of Franklinton, for operating or driving a vessel while impaired (DWI) on the Blind River and Blind River Diversion Canal.
Agents also arrested Brandon Lecompte, 43, of Youngsville, for DWI on the Tickfaw River on May 2.
On May 3, agents arrested Chase Hebert, 30, of Prairieville, for second offense DWI on the Blind River.
On the Tickfaw River on May 3, agents arrested Courtland Ray, 31, of Livingston, Joseph Bardzilowski, 58, of South Dakota, and Stephen Holland, 29, of Kentwood, for DWI on the Tickfaw River.
Agents also cited Blake O. Comardelle, 31, of Maurice, for careless operation of a vessel after he operated a vessel involved in a boating incident that resulted in serious, non-life threatening injuries to himself and his passenger on May 2 on the Tickfaw River.
Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver's license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.
First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and 30 days to six months in jail. Careless operation of a watercraft brings up to a $300 fine and 30 days in jail.