I was informed by CPD that Operator was the owner and operator of the vessel and Victim was the victim suffering from a severe laceration to his left foot. When I arrived on scene, I learned Victim’s mother was at the hospital with her son. 

According to statements made by Operator, while his vessel was underway, a tube on board their boat, attached by a line, flew out of the boat causing the line to catch on Victim’s leg, removing him from the boat. 

After entering the water, Victim re-entered the boat and 911 was called and treatment was started. Operator stated he believed he was traveling approximately 15-20 miles per hour (half-throttle, approx. 3000 RPMs). Game Warden and I began inspecting the boat for damage. I observed no hull or propeller damage. Blood stains were located on the port aft near a seat where Operator stated Victim was sitting. I did not see a tube onboard, however Operator later informed me that the tube and a life jacket were left on the water. 

I asked Operator how much experience he personally had operating a boat. He informed me has approximately 1,200 hours of operation time. I asked Operator if he was familiar with Lake Oliver, and he informed me he was very familiar with the lake. I asked him to point out on a map where he believed the incident occurred. Operator identified a spot on the lake consistent with other statements about their location (approximately 32.52018 degrees N, 85.00252 degrees W). I asked Operator if he would be willing to take a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) to rule out alcohol use as a factor, which he consented to. Operator breath indicated a negative result for alcohol. 

 asked Operator approximately what time they arrived at the lake that day, he answered approximately 3:30 PM. I asked Operator approximately what time the incident occurred, which he informed me between 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM. I gave Operator a witness statement which was filled out. 

I drove to Piedmont Midtown where Victim was being treated. Victim was being treated at the trauma center for partial amputation of his left foot and friction burns to his interior right thigh. Victim underwent surgery on the evening on 07/29, which resulted in partial amputation of his left foot. 


Lake Oliver
COLUMBUS                      