Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers played a key role in apprehending an escaped prisoner Saturday, Aug. 29, in Iosco County.
Ten conservation officers, part of the DNR Law Enforcement Division, from Iosco, Ogemaw, Alcona, Oscoda and Gladwin counties responded to a call Saturday afternoon of a prisoner who had escaped the custody of county law enforcement personnel in Reno Township near Whittemore. The prisoner escaped while being transported back to the Iosco County jail after receiving medical treatment at the West Branch Regional Medical Center.
In conjunction with law enforcement personnel from Iosco, Ogemaw and Alcona county sheriff’s departments, the Michigan State Police and the United States Forest Service, DNR conservation officers assisted in setting up a perimeter around the prisoner’s last known location. Just over two hours after the escape, conservation officers apprehended the prisoner in a large forested area.
“The conservation officers were very familiar with the forest topography and features of the area, which greatly assisted in quick apprehension of the prisoner,” said DNR Sgt. Brandon Kieft.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties in the communities they serve.
“Conservation officers play a vital role in Michigan’s law enforcement network, and this is another example of the critical work they do to protect the public,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler.
In addition to their conservation and law enforcement duties, conservation officers provide such critical services as search and rescue, ice rescue and other lifesaving operations.
