A Puerto Rican man observed stealing a dingy was arrested Thursday, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Thursday, the Criminal Investigation Bureau was contacted by Customs and Border Patrol at Yacht Haven Grande regarding the apprehension of a male, identified as Jean Pierre Gonzales-Escobar. Gonzales-Escobar was operating a dingy heading in the direction of Puerto Rico, according to the police report.
CBP boarded the vessel and discovered that the vessel was stolen. Contact was made with the owner of the vessel, who stated that they did not give anyone permission to operate the boa Gonzales-Escobar later admitted to taking the vessel to head back to Puerto Rico, the police report stated.
Gonzales-Escobar, 37, was charged with unauthorized use of a vessel. His bail was set at $25,000, the report stated.
This case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Chief’s Office or Detective Brian Bedminster at (340)774-2211 ext. 5573 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1(800)222-TIPS.
