Posted by on March 25, 2005 at 19:07:03:
In Reply to: Homeless man allegedly takes boat, mustard, steak sauce, and tea posted by on March 25, 2005 at 19:01:17:
3/25/05 A man described as a homeless drifter has been arrested in connection with the theft of a large commercial dive boat stolen early Wednesday morning from the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Donald Patrick Kelley, 41, is believed to be a drifter who recently arrived in Santa Barbara, police said.
Kelley is suspected of stealing the "Conception" and sailing it north to where it was beached at a remote section of Vandenberg Air Force Base. The errant captain damaged three other boats, sinking one, before leaving the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Military security found Kelley within one-quarter mile of the vessel and detained him for Santa Barbara Police, who reportedly found food items believed stolen from the Conception's galley.
Kelley was arrested for suspicion in grand theft and for damaging the vessel by running it aground on the rocky shore.
Police said the caper left Conception with holes in the hull.