Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 26th -29th, 2023

INCIDENT: Memorial Day, Marine Enforcement Operation 2023

LOCATION: Colorado River Station

SUSPECT(S): N/A

VICTIM(S): N/A


SUMMARY: The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit conducted its 2023 Memorial Day Marine Enforcement Operation starting on Friday May 26th through May 29th.

The operation was conducted along the Colorado River from the California/Nevada state line to the Riverside County line as well as Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. 

Most of the operation was focused on the waterways with resorts, launch ramps and marinas along the river and lakes.  A total of 10 patrol vessels, an OHV team, the Sheriff's Dive Team and two Sheriff's Department helicopters were deployed throughout the area.

The Marine Enforcement unit conducted a total of 151 enforcement stops throughout the holiday weekend. There were a total of five arrests made for boating under the influence.  The following are the names of the individuals arrested during the operation:

Jonathan Ploof, 38-years-old, Casa Grande, AZ (boating under the influence)
Ally Mclain, 23-years-old, Santan Valley, AZ (boating under the influence)
Sol Madar, 22-years-old, Calabasas, CA (boating under the influence)
Duane Heaton, 59-years-old, Huntington Beach, CA (boating under the influence)
Conrad Blake, 46-years-old, Las Vegas, NV (boating under the influence) 

In addition, approximately 39 citations were issued for various boating law violations as well as 112 verbal warnings. 

The Marine Enforcement Unit investigated a major injury boat accident on the Colorado River near Budweiser Beach. Two victims from the accident suffered burns from a vessel fire and were transported via ambulance to a local hospital in Mohave Valley, AZ. Boating units responded to the swim area of London Bridge Beach to assist with a juvenile drowning victim who was later located in four feet of water. The juvenile was flown to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV where she is currently being treated for her injuries.  

The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit urges all California residents to go online to www.californiaboatercard.com and take the online test to obtain their boater card which is now required by law. The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit is, as always, dedicated to providing a safe boating atmosphere for the public and reminds everyone to wear their life jackets and to boat sober.    

For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation


Refer: Deputy William Poe

Station: Colorado River Station

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. N/A

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department