Full Notification

DATE: May 24 through May 27, 2024

INCIDENT: 2024 Memorial Day Marine Enforcement Operation

LOCATION: Colorado River, Big Bear Lake, and Lake Arrowhead


SUMMARY: The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit conducted it's 2024 Memorial Day Marine Enforcement Operation starting on Friday May 24th through May 27th . 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 ten patrol vessels, an OHV team, the Sheriff's Dive Team and one Sheriff's Department helicopter were deployed throughout the area. The Marine Enforcement unit conducted a total of 167 enforcement stops throughout the holiday weekend. There was a total of 8 arrests made for boating under the influence. The following are the names of the individuals arrested during the operation:

Ronald Thompson, 57-year-old male, Lake Havasu City, Az (boating under the influence)
Kevin Gunns, 28-year-old male, Yorba Linda, CA (boating under the influence)
Diego Gutierrez Ruiz, 28-year-old male, Fontana, Ca (boating under the influence)
Francisco Garcia, 45-year-old male, Las Vegas, Nv (boating under the influence)
Roger Scalise, 50-year-old male, Los Angeles, Ca (boating under the influence)
Loen Gustavo, 45-year-old male, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca (boating under the influence)
Erica Kisler, 31-year-old female, Costa Mesa, Ca (boating under the influence)
Braddick Harbuck, 53-year-old male, Parker, Az (boating under the influence)

Approximately 81 citations were issued for various boating law violations as well as 86 verbal warnings. There were no reported accidents on the river or lakes for the weekend. The Marine Enforcement Unit also saw a decline in boating under the influence. Boating under the influence is a contributing factor in a majority of accidents on the waterways. The Marine Enforcement Unit strives for operators boating sober and believes sober boating has led to the decline in boating accidents on the waterways. 

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: William Poe, Deputy
Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit
Phone No: (760) 326-9200

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