VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are investigating an unusual theft case involving one of their patrol boats.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29 around 9:10 a.m., VBPD was notified that someone was in Long Creek in a police department marine patrol boat. Officers responded and located the boat, which was under anchor in the creek, close to 2109 Great Neck Road.
Police arrested a man on the boat, identified as 29-year-old Michael Lewis Mastrianni, who they say lives in Virginia Beach.
According to VBPD, the investigation revealed Mastrianni unmoored the boat and drifted in the channel. He has been charged with grand larceny and destruction of property.
The boat is currently docked at the City Marina where investigators are assessing damages.
An officer told 10 On Your Side that the boat Mastrianni was on was about 38 feet long.
He also said that wasn’t the only vehicle he stole that day.
He said Mastrianni first stole a truck from Bucketheads Beach Grill on the other side of the bridge, then drove it to the marina.
He said while on the boat, Mastrianni messed with the antennas on the top as well as the gps receiver.
He told 10 On Your Side that they are currently working on ways to better keep the boats safe to prevent anymore situations like this.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
