Drinking like fish and boating with them is not the best way to make a splash. But it is one that'll get you noticed by local marine units.
The Erie County Marine Unit has recorded its first BWI of the season. County Deputy's Okal and Kent arrested Steve Villont, a 46-year-old Niagara Falls native, for boating while intoxicated on July 16th around 7:15 p.m.
The Marine Unit was patrolling the Erie Barge Canal in the City of Tonawanda when they saw the vessel, operated by Villont, violating navigational laws.
The unit stopped the vessel and performed an inspection. Deputy Okal detected alcohol on the subject's breath. Villont's BAC level registered more than 1.5 times the legal limit and was taken into custody.
He was charged with BWI, reckless operation of a vessel, unreasonable speed and an additional navigational law violation.
Villont was released to a sober third party with tickets returnable to Tonawanda City Court.
