The Peru Gazette

On July 14, NYS Enfironmental Conservation Officers Jeff Hovey and Brad Buffa were on a boat patrol on Union Falls Pond when they observed three individuals in a canoe, two of whom were fishing. As they approached the canoe, the occupants paddled to shore and exited the canoe. ECO Buffa found a loaded .22 caliber rifle in the canoe, with one of the occupants claiming he was going to use to use the rifle to hunt frogs. The subject produced a valid hunting license. However, one of the fishermen failed to produce any identification, and it was later found that he had an active bench warrant from Plattsburgh for criminal contempt of court. The subject was taken into custody, transported by vessel to the boat launch, and handed over to Plattsburgh City Police. Two tickets were also issued for fishing without a license and one ticket was issued for no personal flotation devices in the vessel.