Deer rescuers without life jackets fined

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (AP) - Natural Resources Police fined two men who helped rescue a deer trapped in a frozen river because they didn't have life jackets or any floatation devices aboard their inflatable boat.

Baltimore County fire and Natural Resources Police officers were called to the Patapsco River Bridge last week after a deer fell through the ice.

NRP Sgt. Brian Albert says James Hart of Jessup and Khalilalim Abusakran Jr. were on the scene, but officers told them to get off the waterway because they weren't wearing life jackets. Instead, Albert says the men continued to advance, and broke the ice so the deer could make it to the shoreline. But Albert says because the men didn't follow instructions, each was fined $90.

Here's what Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. George Johnson said about the fines:

I have reviewed the reports of last Thursday’s incident in which two apparently well-meaning citizens rescued a deer from the frozen waters of the Patapsco. Unfortunately, the citizens involved disregarded the orders of numerous public safety officers on the scene -– including Baltimore County Police and Fire Officers as well as the NRP -– by entering the icy waters on an inflatable raft and remaining in the water after being ordered back to shore.

Contrary to widespread reports, the raft was not equipped with the legally required safety equipment. Given the conditions of the water, what began with an animal in distress could have quickly led to a human tragedy, requiring an emergency response that could have endangered even more lives.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police are charged with protecting public safety as well as enforcing the laws of the State of Maryland. I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome – for the citizens and the deer.

-- Natural Resources Police (NRP) Superintendent Col. George Johnson