Fort Pierce man nearly ran over two kids with personal watercraft, FWC officials say

FORT PIERCE — A man was arrested Monday after being accused of recklessly operating a personal watercraft and almost running over two children swimming in the Indian River Lagoon, records show.

Jarvis C. Drayton, 31, of the 300 block of Essex Drive in Fort Pierce, was arrested by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials on a reckless operation of vessel charge.

FWC officials about 4:50 p.m. were on patrol in the Indian River Lagoon south of South Bridge and noted “multiple personal water crafts operating in a reckless manner,” the report states.

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Investigators say a man identified as Drayton was on a 2008 Yamaha personal watercraft that “evacuated” a designated swimming area, the report states.

Drayton “operated the personal watercraft at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner, nearly running over two children swimming,” the report states.

Area law enforcement agencies said they planned stepped up patrols of area waterways to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday.

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Investigators say Drayton jumped wakes and traveled about 55 mph while approaching another personal watercraft, turning away with a few yards to spare.

Drayton was released Monday from the St. Lucie County Jail on $750 bail, a jail official said Tuesday.

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