"You Can Strip Search Me!" Couple Caught Hiding Dozens of Razor Clams in Waders

The Incident

A couple is facing multiple criminal charges after a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officer discovered they had harvested nearly double the legal limit of razor clams. The incident took place in Long Beach, Washington, where the couple was caught attempting to smuggle dozens of razor clams off the coast.

Bodycam Footage Reveals Hidden Clams

Bodycam footage shows a woman pulling 23 extra clams from the inside of her waders after initially denying having more than the daily limit of 15. The WDFW officer approached the couple once they were done harvesting, and the situation quickly escalated.

The couple was seen digging up clams and passing them between each other, making sure they didn't have more than 15 razor clams in their clam bags, which is the daily limit per person. However, it became clear that the woman was stashing extra clams in her waders.

Officer's Statement

During the confrontation, WDFW Police Officer Garrison said, "So, I have a 28-minute video of you guys digging clams…" The man responded by saying, "You're welcome to search my personnel. You can strip search me! You can cavity search me!"

Officer Garrison then stated, "I don't believe that you have any clams in your waders. I believe that she has clams in her waders." The woman was found to have an extra 23 clams hiding in her waders and boots, which was 23 over the limit.

Additional Details

At one point before the confrontation, the couple filled an empty clam bag from a different individual who walked down to them. That bag was never recovered, adding to the complexity of the case.

Charges Facing the Couple

The couple is facing several charges, including first-degree overlimit, failing to submit their catch for inspection, digging for another, and providing false information. These charges highlight the severity of their actions and the potential impact on local wildlife resources.

Background of the Case

The backstory of the case involves a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police officer who spotted the couple in Long Beach. The couple appeared to be highly skilled at harvesting clams, which raised suspicions among the officers.

The officer noted that the couple was careful to ensure they didn't exceed the daily limit of 15 clams per person. However, the officer's observations led to further investigation, resulting in the discovery of the hidden clams.

Community Impact

This incident has drawn attention to the importance of following fishing regulations and the consequences of violating them. The WDFW emphasizes the need for responsible harvesting practices to protect local ecosystems and ensure sustainable resources for future generations.

Conclusion

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to wildlife laws and the role of law enforcement in maintaining compliance. The couple's actions not only violated the rules but also risked the integrity of the local environment. As the legal process unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how this case is resolved and what lessons can be learned from it.