Law enforcement
Posted Friday, 20 January 2012 00:00
Cooperative effort leads to poaching arrest
WASHINGTON COUNTY — The cooperative effort of several agencies resulted in the arrest of a suspected deer poacher in southern Utah in January. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) conservation officers worked alongside Washington County sheriff's deputies, Bureau of Land Management rangers and Zion National Park rangers during the investigation of a St. George man who now faces a charge of Wanton Destruction of Protected Wildlife — and other charges — for his role in the illegal killing of a mule deer.
Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, officers pulled the subject over near Smith Mesa, northeast of Hurricane, Utah. Evidence found in his vehicle, as well as at a crime scene, led to the arrest of the individual by DWR officers in St. George on Jan. 19, 2012.
DWR officers say the arrest of this suspect is the result of the cooperation demonstrated by local, state and federal agencies. Conservation Officer Chris Schulze states that more suspects have been identified since the arrest, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
"We simply could not do our job without the cooperation of other agencies and the assistance of concerned citizens who step up and do the right thing. Poachers steal from everyone. This case should demonstrate to would-be poachers that you will be caught," adds Officer Schulze.
