RedactedNarrative: INVESTIGATION
  •	At approximately 1540 hours I arrived at Lake Cypress boat ramp regarding a hit and run airboat accident. I met with the complainant OP2. OP2’s vessel has extensive damage to the rear port side. 
  •	OP2 was entering the airboat trail on the NW corner of Lake Cypress as another vessel was exiting. OP2 made and evasive maneuver but was still struck by OP1’s vessel. 
  •	V1 was not at the boat ramp and eventually returned when word spread that I was looking for it.
  •	The operator of V1 had similar story as to how the incident took place but did not have intention to report the accident. 
  
  INTERVIEWS 
  On February 20, 2021, I conducted an interview of the operator of V2 at Lake Cypress boat ramp.  The following is a paraphrased summary of information gathered:
  •	He was entering an airboat trail on the NW corner of Lake Cypress. 
  •	He observed the other vessel heading out of the trail, but the operator was looking down at a phone or handheld GPS.
  •	The operator of V1 did not see him until he reeved his motor and tried to make an evasive maneuver.
  •	The operator of V1 quickly tried to change direction but steered the vessel in the wrong direction and struck the rear port side of his vessel.
  •	Both boats stopped and made sure everyone was alright.
  •	He had a friend come to tow him back to Lake Cypress boat ramp and V1 was going to meet him there
  •	When he got towed back to Lake Cypress boat ramp V1 took off and never came back.
  
  On February 20th, 2021, I conducted an interview of the owner/ operator of V1 when he returned to Lake Cypress boat ramp after hearing I was looking for him.  The following is a paraphrased summary of information gathered 
  
  •	He was exiting the airboat trail onto Lake Cypress and a vessel came around the corner in front of him
  •	The vessel was sliding sideways, and the left side of his grass rake hit the rear of the vessel.
  •	Both vessels stopped to make sure everyone was ok.
  •	Once the other vessel got towed, he went back to his camp and cooked breakfast.
   
  CONCLUSION
  Based on the evidence and information gathered to date, I have concluded that both operators violated navigation rules contributing to the accident. Both vessels were operating at excessive speed for the prevailing conditions and failed to have a proper lookout. Based on statements gathered, I was able to determine that OP1 left the scene of the accident without providing OP2 his information. OP1 also failed to report the accident to law enforcement by the quickest means possible. Charges were filed with the state attorney’s office for both violations.
  