Law Enforcement Officers Respond To Busy Memorial Day Weekend On Area Lakes

After several dangerous situations on area lakes this weekend, law enforcement officers want to remind everyone how important it is to be aware and safe. Investigators say they were busy with boat crashes, a boat explosion and even someone who purposefully crashed into an office on duty.

The Grand River Dam Authority says five people are recovering with first and second-degree burns after a boat explosion near Check-In Bay on Grand Lake. They say the youngest of those victims was only five years old and the cause of that explosion is still under investigation.

Officials say two other women were hurt in a different boating crash on Lake Hudson. GRDA Police say a Missouri man was killed in an ATV accident near Pensacola Dam and another man died after falling into the water while trying to step from a boat dock.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers have a warning for anyone who may drink and drive a boat, after they say a man crashed into a wildlife officer's boat while he was on duty.

“Alcohol and operating a watercraft does not mix,” said Lt. Eric Foster, Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Troopers say Lawrence Turner got mad that his boat slip was blocked while the officer was checking someone else’s fishing license.

“He actually purposefully used his boat and struck the wildlife officer’s boat,” said Foster.

The wildlife officer then called Troopers, who say they determined Turner was intoxicated.

Six other passengers, including three kids, were on board. The Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office says Turner faces charges for driving a boat while drunk, endangering children and assault and battery on an officer.

Troopers say law enforcement has jurisdiction on the water. It is against the law for anyone to try and interfere with an officer while they are working.