RedactedNarrative: On 12 August, 2018, a group of individuals on an island on Belews lake (near Lat. 36.29717 Lon. 80.04719) had been swimming.  They decided to leave the island and head back to the boat ramp at approximately 8:15 P.M.  Vessel number 2 was ahead of Vessel number 1.  During our investigation, we were told that Vessel 2 was operated by someone other than Operator2 but throughout our investigation we were given conflicting stories and Operator2 admitted to being the operator. 
  
   As the vessels began to leave the island, Operator1 was directly behind vessel 2.  He stated that as he took off an occupant inside the vessel had lost his balance and fallen over.  Operator1 stated that he looked down to check on the fallen occupant and when he looked up, Vessel 2 had slowed in the water in front of them.  Vessel 2 experienced throttle failure causing the vessel to slow in the water.  Operator1 stated that he turned hard to the left attempting to avoid a collision but hit the left portion of the stern.  Operator1 stated that he checked to ensure everyone was uninjured and offered to help pay for the damage.  Operator1 then stated that subject on v2 began making verbal threats about physically harming Operator1 because he had caused damage to their boat.  At that time, Operator1 stated that he left the scene fearing for his own safety.  He headed for Humphries Ridge Marina.  Vessel 2 followed vessel 1 back to the marina. 
  
  Officer and I were conducting a vessel stop on a separate vessel near the Marina when Vessel 1 passed closely by us followed by Vessel 2 approaching us yelling.  An occupant on Vessel 2 yelled to us that Vessel 1 had just hit their boat and were running away and requested that we stop the boat.  There was noticeable damage to the stern of the vessel as they approached us closer.  We pursued Vessel 1 and conducted a vessel stop inside the no wake zone of Humphries Ridge Marina.  The Operator, Operator1, admitted that he had hit the other boat and admitted to drinking 5-6 beers.  Operator1 was 20 years of age.  I conducted standard field sobriety tests and found Operator1 to be impaired.  We charged Operator1 with BWI and negligent operation of a vessel resulting in property damage.  Vessel 2 had visible damage to the stern, port side, and lower unit estimated to be approximately 6,000.00 worth of damage.  Vessel 1 had noticeable marks and slight gouges in the fiberglass below the water line on starboard side as well as a hole in the lower unit estimated to be around $3,000.00 worth of damage.  No injuries resulted from the incident.  Both vessels had all of the necessary safety equipment on board. 
  
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