On 8/25/12, I, Sgt. was dispatched to a boat incident which had occurred in Bayou Crab, Assumption Parish.  Upon my arrival I noticed subject approaching the dock near the boat launch on his personal watercraft (PWC).  I was then informed that Operator was still on scene with her vessel receiving medical treatment.  I then learned that Occupant, 7 yrs of age, was on the vessel with Operator. After speaking to Occupant and her mother, it was learned that Subject, vessel #2, passed Operator, vessel #1, in the canal and when vessel #1 hit vessel #2's wake they lost control and grounded their vessel into the woods, approximately 80 feet.  After leaving the waterway vessel #1 struck several cypress knees and small trees.  It is believed that Operator's facial injuries were caused from a leaning tree in their path of travel.  Operator was then transported by Air Med to a New Orleans hospital where Agents retrieved a voluntary blood sample from Operator, results pending.  Subject was also transported to the Assumption Parish Detention Center where field sobriety was performed, see attached DUI report and he submitted to an alcohol  breath test being .097%.  PFDs and engine cut off switches  were worn in this incident and alcohol is believed to be a factor but Not drugs  Subject was charged with DUI 1st Offense and charges on Operator are pending the results of her blood sample. 

Note: Operator stated to the agents who retrieved her blood sample that she was driving her PWC at the time of the incident, but in her operator's report she states different and says that Occupant was the operator.  Occupant is not of legal age to operate a PWC since she is only 7 yrs. of age.  Also Operator is responsible for the actions in this incident since Occupant is less that 10 yrs. of age.  However, there will be further investigation into whether Operator was operating the vessel or the juvenile, Occupant.
Napoleonville                 