RedactedNarrative: I, was on patrol in full police uniform and in a marked squad truck on 10-13-17.  I was notified (11:13am via phone) by Rock Island IL City Police Dept., of a canoe that went over the Steel Dam on the Rock River, near Milan IL.  I was advised the canoe had one occupant who was not injured.  I was advised the canoe registration number was IL 5793 GW and the boat was destroyed by the turbulence of the low head dam.  I was advised Rock Island City P/D was transporting Operator to the Christian Family Care Shelter in Rock Island IL.  I was advised Operator''s mother was traveling from Rockford IL to pick up Operator.  I advised Rock Island P/D, it was a reportable boat accident, and I was enroute to meet with Operator and would handle the boat accident investigation and report.  I requested Sgt. to go to the Steel Dam and take a picture of the canoe below the dam (see attached).
  
  I arrived at the Christian Family Care Center at approximately 12:00PM.  I observed a white male subject standing in front of the building wearing a pink shirt and pants.  The subject approached my squad and stated "You’re probably looking for me".  I asked the subject what his name was.  The subject matched the radio description of the person involved in the canoe accident.  I stated "I heard you went over the Steel Dam in a canoe, are you doing alright"-  Operator stated "Ya, I''m fine".  I asked Operator if he would tell me what happened.  Operator stated " I was paddling down the river and thought I could make it over and through the dam, but it was a bigger drop than I thought.  My canoe filled with water after I went over and I fell out of it due to the strong current below the dam.  I kept trying to run out of it and it kept pulling me back in, somehow I got out, but I lost all my shit".  Operator stated the canoe was equipped with a sail kit, he lost a bike, tent, wallet and some beer.  Operator estimated the value of all items at about $1,000.  I did not detect any signs of impairment on Operator.  
  
  I informed Operator it was a reportable boat accident since his canoe was destroyed and I needed to fill out a boat accident report.  I asked Operator all the questions needed to fill out the required report.  I asked Operator if he had a PFD in the canoe or any other safety equipment, or if he was wearing a PFD.  Operator stated "I didnt have any of that shit".  I requested Operator to write out a statement about the accident and sign it.  Operator agreed to do that (see attachment # 1).  Also see Rock Island City Police Dept. report (attachment # 2).
  
   Operator was issued a citation for the PFD violation and a written warning for careless operation of a watercraft.  Operator was bonded with a NTA to appear in Rock Island County Court on 11-27-17 @ 8:30am .  This is a non-mandatory court appearance and Operator may elect to plead guilty and pay the $120.00 fine via mail.
  
  
  