On 08/13/2023 at 1355 hours, Deputies and I were working uniform patrol on Bartlett Lake of the Tonto National Forest. As we were traveling north on the lake across from Bartlett Flats near Cat Bay in our fully marked Maricopa Sheriff''s Office Patrol watercraft, we were flagged down by a group of subjects on the northern shoreline of Cat Bay, near a black watercraft. As we were approaching the watercraft (vessel #1), which was a black 2007 Malibu wake style watercraft, we observed that Vessel #1 was beached halfway up on the rocky shoreline. There were approximately seven male and female subjects, which consisted of two female adults subjects, two male adults subjects and young children, ages raging from five to ten years of age, on the shoreline and inside the watercraft.

    Once we arrived, I beached our watercraft next to Vessel #1, we asked what happened. We learned from the registered owner that the operator was operating the Malibu while pulling one of the children on a wake board. While pulling the child, Operator1 became distracted and was not paying attention and drove the Malibu up on the beach. 

    After obtaining the information, we learned that friends were on another watercraft and were going attempt to pull Vessel #1 off the rocky shoreline. Once they arrived, we lent them our tow rope and they were able to free Vessel #1 from the shoreline by pulling it from the aft section of the watercraft. Once Vessel #1 was freed, Subject checked inside the bilge areas to see if the Vessel was taking on water. Subject confirmed that it was not. Subject also checked the propeller to see if there was damage done to it. Subject said that he was not able to see, but could feel that it was bent. 

    After Subject checked Vessel #1 for damage, we had the other passengers, who were on the shoreline, board our patrol watercraft. Since we were unsure if there was damage done to the hull of Vessel #1, I suggested that we make our way to the Yellow Cliffs boat ramp in case Vessel #1 started to take on water and the possibility of it sinking. We then safely made our way over to the Yellow Cliffs boat ramp. Upon our arrival, the passengers disembark our patrol watercraft and boarded Subjects friends watercraft, who arrived on scene as well. Subject boarded our watercraft and we transported him to the Jojoba Boat Ramp so he could retrieve his truck and boat trailer.

    On 08/14/2023 at 0923 hours, I contacted Subject using my Maricopa County issue IPhone. I asked Subject if he could give me an estimation of how much in dollar amount the damages were to Vessel #1. Subject estimated that there was approximately $6000 to $8000 in damages which consisted of gel coat repair, paint and replacement of the propeller. Subject also advised that the speed of Vessel #1, while Operator1 was operating, was approximately 12 miles per hours. I ended my contact with Subject at that time.  

    Our MCSO body worn cameras were activated during the contact with all subjects involved and later during the telephone call to Subject on 08/14/2023. 

    There is nothing further at this time.

BARTLETT LAKE
Scottsdale, AZ                