The Oak Bay Police Department has arrested a man after he allegedly stole a yacht and claimed to have COVID-19.
Around 4:10 am on Monday, April 13, Oak Bay Police said they were informed of the possible theft of a 54-foot yacht from the Oak Bay Marina.
In a press release, police outlined that witnesses had seen the large boat leaving the marina around 3:30 am.
According to police, they immediately called the Canadian Coast Guard and launched an investigation into the matter by watching webcam footage of the area.
After the boat was located still in the vicinity, officers were carried out to it by the Coast Guard.
Police said once they arrived and boarded the allegedly stolen yacht, they found a 25-year old male who was “uncooperative.”
The man had canoed to the yacht and was found with a having knife in his vicinity, Oak Bay Police authorities said.
The suspect also claimed to have COVID-19.
The man, who is said by police officials to have “an extensive criminal history,” was taken to the hospital for an assessment with respect to his claim of having COVID-19, but has since been cleared.
At 3:30am, a 25 yr old prolific offender stole a 54 ft yacht from #OakBay. We notified Coast Guard
& got a ride to it. We boarded & arrested male. He had knife in bed. He was uncooperative. He claimed to have #Covid_19. He is at hospital due to his Covid claim. Then to jail.? pic.twitter.com/XPYRVPP3uH— Oak Bay Police (@OakBayPolice) April 13, 2020
Oak Bay PD said they are seeking to remand him in custody prior to him facing charges in court. The possible charges could include theft over $5000, possession of stolen property of $5000, and mischief over $5000 for alleged damage to the yacht when boarding.
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