Injured Kayakers Charged with Trespassing After Going Over Prettyboy Dam

Two men face charges in connection with an incident Sunday at Prettyboy Dam that sent both to the hospital, officials said.

Stephen Sparks, 21, and Paul Hare, 21, who live in northern Baltimore County, were charged with criminal trespass, Baltimore Environmental Police said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Police and fire personnel were called to Prettyboy Dam at 7:35 p.m. on Sunday to assist someone and located Sparks and Hare, the statement said.

Sparks was found at the base of the dam with a severe head injury, officials said. He had possible broken bones and internal injuries, according to police.

Baltimore Environmental Police, Maryland Line Volunteer Fire Company and EMS, Hereford Volunteer Fire Company and Baltimore County Emergency Medical Services personnel performed a technical rescue to get Sparks up a cliff in a basket, police said.

It took rescuers two and a half hours to complete the operation, according to police. Sparks was then taken to shock trauma by helicopter.

Hare, who suffered a large head laceration, was taken to York General Hospital in Pennsylvania, where he was treated and released at 1:30 a.m. on June 30, according to the statement.

According to Baltimore County officials, damaged kayaks were found at the base of the dam near the victims.

Boating, including kayaking, is allowed at Prettyboy but requires a permit, according to Baltimore City Public Works, which manages the reservoir.

Baltimore Environmental Police said that police were charging Hare and Sparks for boating without permits and being in a "No Trespass" zone.

Trespassing is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of a $1,000 fine and one year in jail, according to police, who said Towson District Court would handle the proceedings.

Related: Police Investigate After 2 Injured at Prettyboy Dam