Use’ allegedly led enforcement agents on 1-mile chase near Bayou DeCade
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrested a 32-year-old Houma man Monday after a boat chase in Terrebonne Parish.
According to a press release, Charlie Use’ was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail for aggravated flight from an officer, careless operation of a vessel, taking or possessing more than 10 redfish, taking or possessing undersized redfish, no navigation lights, intentional concealment of fish and not possessing a basic or saltwater fishing license.
Agents made contact with Use’ around 6 a.m. in Bayou DeCade because he allegedly did not have the required navigation lights on his 18-foot boat, the release states.
At that time, agents allegedly observed Use’ dumping redfish into the water. While agents were retrieving the fish, Use’ took off in his boat and attempted to flee, the release states.
After a 1-mile chase, the release states agents were able to get Use’ to stop his boat, and then arrested him. Agents were able to determine that Use` had possessed over 10 redfish, including some undersized fish, after examining the fish he dumped and questioning him after the stop.
Aggravated flight from an officer brings up to a $2,000 fine and five years in jail. Reckless operation of a vessel carries up to a $300 fine and 30 days in jail. Intentional concealment of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing more than 10 redfish brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing undersized redfish carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to possess basic and saltwater fishing licenses and not having navigation lights each brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail for each offense, according to the release.
