Bad idea: Boating under the influence.

Worse idea: Thinking that you can confuse an officer by growling or falling off a dock.

According to a news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Officer David Erdman was refueling his patrol boat at a local marina when he observed a rental pontoon boat violate the idle speed zone in Grand Lagoon. Attempts to conduct a vessel stop were ignored by the operator, who proceeded to a boat ramp. Upon arrival at the ramp, Erdman attempted to gain the operator’s attention.

The operator and two other male occupants quickly confronted Officer Erdman with “a verbal barrage” and ”growls and hollering,” according to the report. They ignored all requests to provide identification and vessel documentation. A female occupant attempted to exit the vessel with her 3-year-old child.

Erdman summoned backup as he began what he now believed was a boating under the influence (BUI) investigation. He first ensured the woman and child were safe and then returned his attention to the boat operator.

This is when the two other male passengers tried to interfere — by falling overboard and off of the dock.

Bay County Sheriff’s Lt. Jay Chesser and Officers Neal Goss and Nick Price arrived to assist. “Once order was brought to the scene,” the report said, Erdman was able to continue his investigation. End result: arrests for boating under the influence with a minor present, interference with an officer, an active warrant out of Kentucky, and providing false information to law enforcement.

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