FORSYTH COUNTY, Georgia – A man has been arrested on Lake Lanier after allegedly biting the hand of a Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) patrol officer while authorities were trying to help him back onto his personal watercraft.
According to DNR, the incident occurred that same afternoon near Mary Alice Park and Baldridge Marina in Forsyth County. While on patrol, officers spotted a personal watercraft circling on Lake Lanier without a driver.
Upon approach, authorities noted that the emergency engine cutoff lanyard was still attached to the vessel and found a man swimming nearby, trying to avoid the path of the personal watercraft.
Officers managed to stop the vessel and began assisting the operator, who was reportedly exhausted, to safely get him back onto his personal watercraft.
During their interaction, officers reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the man. According to DNR, he continuously resisted rescue efforts and repeatedly tried to swim away instead of returning to the vessel.
While authorities were attempting to get him back onto the personal watercraft, the man allegedly bit a patrol officer on the forearm.
The suspect was subsequently arrested. DNR has not yet released the man's identity or the official charges he may face.
