Reaffirming once again that bikes are the natural enemy of boats, SPD’s bike patrol officers arrested a burglar and dinghy thief on Monday after he was caught boating back to the scene of a break-in on Lake Union.
Around 1pm, bike patrol officers responded to the 1200 block of Westlake Avenue North after receiving a report of a break-in on a 52-foot yacht moored in the marina. The suspect had apparently broken in some time during the night, changed clothes and showered, leaving behind his backpack, jacket and ID.
Officers collected the suspect’s items, but weren’t able to locate him.
A short time after officers left the scene, the suspect returned to the yacht on a 15-foot skiff and climbed aboard.
The owner called 911 again and officers arrived and arrested the 45-year-old suspect.
Police found he had stolen the skiff from another marina on Lake Union, and was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.
Officers booked him into the King County Jail for theft and vehicle prowling.
When reached for comment early Tuesday about the arrest, Bike patrol Officer Mike Gore said bike officers “never tire of spinning up good news.” [FOGHORN NOISE]