July 4th weekend on Lake Monroe is packed. Many people who are partying have already forgotten about the deadly boating accident that killed two on the Lake Monday night.
"It's crazy. It's fun out here," said Tom who was drinking beer on a friend's boat in Allen's Creek. The spot is well known as the place to party July 4th weekend.
"You're looking for disorderly conduct, public nudity and public intox," said DNR Officer Angie Goldman. "We're looking for beer cans in the water."
Police say drinking had nothing to do with the collision of two boats Monday night. However, many boaters, while mindful of the accident, are still taking chances themselves by drinking too much alcohol.
"Just stop your boat, sir. I'll come to you," said Goldman.
Greg Frazee, 45, drove toward Allen Creek too fast according to Goldman. Goldman pulled her DNR conservation boat up to his. He had another couple along with his wife in the boat.Within a few minutes of speaking to him, Goldman has her first tip Frazee may be under the influence.
"I smelled a strong odor of alcohol on his breath," said Goldman.
"When did you start drinking," she asked.
"12:30, one o'clock," said Frazee.
Goldman has him go through several field sobriety tests some of which he doesn’t pass.
"Go, go, go go, stop," said Goldman as he blew into the portable breathalizer. "You're at 12."
0.12 is over the legal limit. Frazee is put in handcuffs and driven to shore where he's booked after testing a .10 on the official breathalizer at the DNR station. That's over the legal limit of .08.
Frazee told police he had no idea the four to six beers he had would put him over.
While it's an embarrassing situation, Frazee says he realizes drinking and driving is dangerous.
"We discussed it this weekend coming out here," said Frazee. "No one should take chances."
DNR officials say they don't have enough officers to arrest as many boaters as they think are driving over the limit. Goldman says on a typical July 4th weekend, they'll make four to five DUI arrests on the waterways.
In addition to drinking, Goldman says it's key that boaters know the right of way rules and keep a keen eye on boats around them.
"The accident earlier this week will hopefully wake people up to be careful and realize what can happen just being out here even without alcohol."
Visit www.boat-ed.com/in for more information on boating laws and responsibilities including important navigation rules on right of way.
