Two men were passengers on boat when buddy arrested for suspected DWI, agency says
Two Livingston Parish men were arrested last week for allegedly trying to sink a state enforcement vessel after their friend was arrested on suspicion of operating a boat while intoxicated, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported.
Brian B. Heyse, 25, and Neal D. Corkern, 23, on July 17 for allegedly tampering with an LDWF patrol vessel, the agency reported.The incident began when Corkern’s brother, 26-year-old Kyle Cockern of Walker, was arrested July 8 for an alleged DWI on the Amite River’s Diversion Canal, the LDWF said.
Arresting agents docked their boat at the Hill Top Inn Marina while transporting Kyle Corkern to the French Settlement Police Department so an intoxilyzer test could be administered, according to an LDWF news release.
When other agents working on the Diversion Canal arrived at the marina, they allegedly saw a male subject jump out of and run from the unattended LDWF patrol vessel tied to the pier. the LDWF said. Agents made contact with the two male subjects at the scene, but were unable to ascertain what had taken place, and the subjects were released, the agency said.
Agents later discovered that the plug of the unattended LDWF vessel had been removed, allowing it to begin to fill with water, the LDWF said.
However, the vessel’s bilge pump kept the vessel afloat.
After a week long investigation, agents arrested Heyse Neal Corkern for allegedly tampering with the LDWF patrol vessel, the LDWF said. Both subjects were passengers in Kyle Corkern’s vessel prior to his arrest on July 8, the LDWF said.
Agents booked Heyse and Neal Corkern with simple burglary, attempted criminal damage to property, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Heyse was additionally cited for intentional littering after breaking a bottle in the marina parking lot.
Driving a vessel while intoxicated carries a fine between $300 and $1,000 and up to six months in jail with the chance of losing driving and boating privileges.
Simple burglary brings up to a $2,000 fine and up to 12 years in jail. Criminal damage to property carries up to a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in jail. Criminal trespassing brings a fine between $100 and $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Criminal mischief carries up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail. Intentional littering carries a $250 fine and eight hours of community service in a litter abatement work program.
