Boat Motor Theft Interrupted by Alert Neighbors
115 hp Yamaha had been taken from a boat parked in driveway

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2009

 
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Islamorada - The theft of an outboard motor was interrupted Tuesday night by alert neighbors who saw suspicious activity and called the Sheriff's Office.

The incident took place at 10 p.m. on Palo De Oro Drive in Islamorada. Sheriff's dispatchers received the call as a possible burglary in progress. The caller said they saw an SUV parked in the driveway of their neighbor's house with a man inside. He was able to get a partial license tag number before calling.

When deputies arrived, they found a 115 hp Yamaha engine had been taken from the back of a boat parked in the driveway. A notice to be on the lookout was issued for the SUV.

A short time later, Deputy Richard Bellon was at the 101 mile marker, facing southbound, watching for the vehicle when it passed him northbound. He followed it, but the SUV sped up and turned onto Central Avenue, turning off it's lights in an attempt to avoid detection. The vehicle came to a stop on Gun Club Road and the driver fled. Deputy Bellon chased him, but soon lost sight of him.

A perimeter was set up for a search of the area. U.S.Border Patrol provided a K-9 team and a helicopter to assist with the search, but the suspect was not found. Florida Highway Patrol and Customs agents also assisted. The motor was recovered from the back of he SUV.

Investigations are continuing. An arrest in the case is expected.