Elgin County OPP say tips from the public helped in the arrest of a suspect charged in connection with the theft and burning of the OPP patrol boat.
The police boat was stolen early last Wednesday morning from a Port Stanley marina and set ablaze, completely destroying the vessel.
"With the assistance of the public and the great work of the crime unit...it was a really good cooperative effort," says Const. Troy Carlson.
He says people even offered their own boats to help with patrols. "We had numerous offers."
Police arrested Michael James Larson, 20, of St. Thomas on Saturday and he has been charged with theft over $5,000 and arson.
He is being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Monday.
A second man, 37-year-old Gerald Robert Jacques, aka J.J. of Port Stanley, is currently being sought by police.
"It would be in his best interest if he turned himself in," Carlson says.
He is facing charges including theft over $5,000, arson and possession of property obtained by crime.
He is described as a white male, 6'2" tall, 205 pounds with brown hair in a brush cut, blue eyes and facial hair under his chin. He also has a anchor tattoo on his right forearm and a tattoo of the Greek god Neptune on his left forearm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
