Parker Live News from the Parker Strip since 2009.
We received this message Monday at Parker Live:
“Looking for a man in a pontoon boat with Oklahoma plates who has taken down and destroyed the only safe swimming area for dogs along the river. He has done this three times. There is a roped-off area for the dogs to swim in. It is constructed of boat rope and approximately 25-30 foam noodles, similar to the other swimming areas roped off at some of the resorts upriver. He has cut the ropes and taken them.
He has been back to Patria Flats to try to intimidate the locals who bring their dogs out for a swim during the hot summer months. He is very verbal and intimidating. The other day he pulled up in his boat in front of the swim area. The park ranger asked him to please come into the beach, that he would like to talk with him, he refused. The ranger asked him if he was the one that was cutting the ropes and he admitted to it. He said he would continue to do this each time we re-construct the swim area. Then he sped away downriver in his pontoon boat.
I would appreciate your help in trying to locate the boat so we can turn him over to the local authorities. Let’s join in as a community and stop this guy from destroying our park.”
Damn Obnoxious Guy
Thanks for the message, DOG. Since we received it, two things happened: first, we talked to the Sheriff’s Office who told us they’d be actively looking for this boat (especially since we got a license plate, which is of course connected to a name in Oklahoma). And second, DOG ended up sending us a followup message, saying that they’d tracked down the boat with the help of some Parker people on social media.
My first thought was: Why? Why would somebody care whether there’s a designated area at the dog park for pet owners to let their pets safely cool off in the river with some protection from river traffic? Does he have some mistaken belief that the area is impeding such traffic, or that dogs shouldn’t have access to the water, or that the ropes are finder’s keepers if they’re left in place? Or is he just an asshole?
My second thought is that a boat registered in Oklahoma should be easy to find on the Parker Strip (as indeed it turned out to be). If a boat plate doesn’t start with an AZ or a CA, it’s a minority citizen out here.
And thirdly, I hope this guy hears from law enforcement soon. He’s the kind of boater we need less of.
JW
UPDATE 8/4: La Paz County Sheriff’s Boating Division says it needs to make contact with the man on the boat, and urges citizens to call the Sheriff’s Office if you see him or his boat at (928) 669-6141. Do not confront or get into a fight with him; just call the Sheriff’s Office and let them handle it.
We will find him! There’s no reason for this kind of behavior. People come to Parker to have fun and generally everyone gets along
you must have a permit from army core of engineers to rope off any part of the river. not sure why this guy is being a ass
He’s family of the “man” that defaced Idiot Rock.
That’s BS… This guys an ass!!
I can’t wait for an update on this story.
Thanks for the update John, love your Parker Live!
It should be a ( Criminal Felony ) Federal Charge against him !!! Considering the river is a Federal Water Way and Is not just a two state or two county Jurisdiction
Tampering / Stealing Of State and Federal Property !!
Great work Parker!
“Sped away”
Let’s eradicate this trash from the river!
What an ***hole!!
I just read this. ????????
I’ll share we are in Havasu but someone we know here might know who he is and where to find this fool!!
Thank you, Parker Live.
What a jerk!!!! Waiting for an update on this story.
????
IT’S A SAD THING, THAT THIS MAN DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS DOG PARK. THE DANGER WE ARE IN, DOGS AND OWNERS, AND SOMETIMES MANY CHILDREN. WAVE RUNNERS JET SKIES AND ALL SIZE BOATS, GO IN AND OUT, OF ALL SMALL COVES, ALL THE WAY UP RIVER!-
SECONDLY,
SOMEONE MENTIONED THE CORP OF ARMY ENGINEERS. THERE IS ONLY ONE ROCK ISLAND ON THE RIVER. IN FRONT OF BUCKSKIN VALLEY AND SOME VERY NICE HOMES RIGHT ON THE RIVER. THIS PAST MONTH THERE HAVE BEEN 3 ACCIDENTS , AND MAYBE A FATALITY. THE BOUY’S ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE, SOMEONE PLEASE BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
That guy definitely doesn’t understand the culture on the river. I fear he’s going to soon learn a hard lesson.
What a jerk, I wonder what his thinking is, why?
Sick Trevor on him !
Please share with Bob, Cyndi…
Jerk
What an asshole. Throw him in jail for public destruction
Please keep us updated on the outcome. Let’s hope the law authorities charge this inhumane individual. And the dogs can once again swim safely.
What are his motives? I wonder why?
I would like to donate foam noodles to the dog park I checked Parker and havasu no one has noodles anyone know where I can find some? It would be a nice gesture. If anyone has access to noodles and would like to donate them they can be dropped off at the dog park.
Hopefully karma will catch up to this guy. He probably still won’t get it though.
First of all these ropes and the rebar stuck in the river are a hazard second the two women think they own this park as their personal sanctuary I have seen them run numerous people away on many occasions third if this was a legitimate structure why are there no posts saying so fourth if that was the ranger I talked to he didn’t identify himself as such and he should have realized a storm was approaching as I sped away at a blistering ten miles an hour and lastly the park should not be used for topless sunbathing by these women as I have observed on a few occasions I respect the river and the park but not these women who feel they own it and yes I will talk to the authorities myself. And btw great pic
To John,
Looks like we know who did it now!
I think it’s funny you leave out the parts where you were verbally abusive and you make up stories about the locals there.
Please do this town a favor and go back to Oklahoma.
john, up until a few years ago that beach at the dog park wasn’t even accessible by water. it was covered in reeds. there were steel post, large chunks of sharp wood and other dangerous obstacles that could have injured dogs, people and watercraft. many local people volunteered their time to clean up the beach so it would be accessible and a safe place for dogs to swim. it is the only place designated for dogs on the river. then you have the nerve to come destroy it, 3x’s from what i’ve heard. there are miles of shore-line, but no you insisted on returning 3 x’s to harrass the residents and destroy what they worked so hard to accomplish. perhaps you were looking for the topless sunbathing women? shame on you!!!!
It’s amazing that anyone can decide to put up a structure in a federal water without any permits nor without the knowledge of the head of the county park system. And yes I bring my dogs there and clean up after them instead of letting them relieve themselves somewhere up river
I used to go to the dog park with my children but as of lately when I go I have been met with a very unfriendly welcome by 2 women. The one was sitting top less by the river( pretty sure not legal) the other informed me this is a dog park and I should go elsewhere. …I though this was a county park and all were welcome, but not any longer. I had a dog before and we would go and throw the ball out in the river for fetch…but now that would not be possible with a barrier. Was there ever a permit issued to put this up??? This park has never been roped off before why is it necessary now????
You cannot go to the DOG park without a dog, unless you consider your children dogs? I can understand why they wouldn’t prefer people without dogs coming to that specific part of the beach, its the only place they can let their dogs free. The rope that has been put up is TEMPORARY until they are able to get something more permanent put in (So some jackwad can’t come cut it down). If you insist on playing fetch with your dog I know there is another side I’m sure you are more than welcome to use and throw the ball as far as you please. (no strings attached — lol) I highly doubt anyone at the dog park is “naked sunbathing” knowing the group of RESPECTFUL gals that go there. However I do not, I don’t own a dog.
But if you insist on retaliation once more this will be my last comment. No use if arguing with people who have technically already lost. There is more people in this town that think you’re one of the biggest jackasses around here that doesn’t belong on the beautiful river. Have a wonderful day.
C
I have never seen a post that said you have to have a dog to go there, it is a county park, and anyone is allowed!!! If you don’t go there how do you know how these people behave and I have seen the one topless ( not an image anyone should see)
I have been to the park, seen the improvements, and met the dog owners. They are friendly locals enjoying time with their dogs. The dog beach is 4 the dogs 2 swim, not for you “John” 2 park your boat. Yes I seen the picture. I see you have dogs yourself so your behavior is baffling. Maybe Life Has been rough 4 you, but speading hatred doesn’t get you any brownie points with the man upstairs. Spend your time John spreading peace not hatred. If your disabled and need 2 park right up on a beach 2 let your dog’s out 2 play, there are beaches that accommodate that. Let the dogs keep their beach and swim in a safe environment.
FOR JOHN: I WOULD HARDLY CALL A ROPE AND FLOATIES A ‘STRUCTURE’. SO WOULD THAT MEAN A BOUY WITH AN ANCHOR WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED A STRUCTURE? WHAT ABOUT A RAFT THAT IS TIED BY ANCHOR OR ROPE? I have seen other areas upriver which have been roped off with foam floaties. WHAT GIVES JOHN. DO YOU HAVE A VENDETTA?
FOR LYN: ARE YOU THE WOMAN WHO WAS WITH JOHN THE SECOND TIME THE STRUCTURE WAS DESTROYED? I HEARD THE WOMAN WITH HIM HAD BLONDE HAIR, I BELIEVE IT WAS JOHNS GIRLFRIEND, WASN’T HER NAME CONNIE? PATRIA FLATS IS A COUNTY PARK AND ALL ARE WELCOME THERE. THE COUNTY HAS DESIGNATED AN AREA, WHICH IS FENCED OFF FROM THE REST OF THE PARK, AS A DOG AREA. DO YOU GET IT NOW?
Here’s the thing that boggles the mind. If you don’t like how something is when you go there, STOP GOING THERE JOHNNY ! You take time out of your life to destroy what others have built. What a colossal waste of time and energy. If you don’t like Parker, GTFO.
Works at the casino! Doesn’t know how to chalk a boat! Total asshole!
So we need a current update! Has this peace of crap been caught yet! If not. Then why not you have the plates and know who he is! Just sayin!