EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Police Department (EPD) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police are investigating a repeat offender accused of stealing three boats over a 12-day span in Western Washington. Authorities reported that officers arrested the suspect three separate times between Oct. 14 and Oct. 27, 2026, before his release from custody on Nov. 4, 2026.
The arrests followed a joint investigation between city police and state wildlife officers responding to repeated vessel break-ins and thefts at area marinas. According to police, the suspect had previously been arrested, convicted, and incarcerated for a string of felonious thefts in 2025 before being released prior to the October incidents.
The first incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2026, when EPD responded to a trespassing report at the Port of Everett Marina. Port security said they observed a suspicious person onboard a dockside vessel and recognized him from his previous theft arrest. Upon contacting the man, officers determined he possessed an unreported stolen boat. WDFW Police also responded after discovering stolen crab pots onboard that bore names not associated with the suspect. Police booked the man into the Snohomish County Jail for second-degree criminal trespass and first-degree possession of stolen property. Authorities released him from jail the following day.
EPD says on Oct. 19, 2026, two wildlife police officers conducting a boat patrol in Island County spotted the same suspect pulling a crab pot out of the water and tossing crab overboard. Investigators found the man in possession of stolen crab pots and a vessel reported stolen five days prior. Officers arrested the suspect and booked him into the Snohomish County Jail on fishing violations and possession of a stolen vessel. Law enforcement returned the boat to its owner, and the suspect was released from custody the next day.
Wildlife police say they received information on Oct. 26, 2026, that the suspect was staying aboard a stolen boat at the Des Moines Marina guest dock. The vessel disembarked before officers could make contact, prompting wildlife officers and EPD to launch a joint search. On Oct. 27, 2026, Everett Police say they spotted and arrested the suspect at the Everett Marina. Authorities booked him into the Snohomish County Jail on charges of second-degree criminal trespass and first-degree theft before releasing him on Nov. 4, 2026.
In response to the series of thefts, police and wildlife officials encouraged boat owners to secure their belongings as winter approaches. Law enforcement advised owners to visit stored boats routinely and remove valuable electronics and fishing gear. For items remaining on board, officials recommended securing valuables out of sight and utilizing specialized locks, such as fish finder locks, to prevent theft.
Authorities also urged boaters to photograph valuable items and document make, model, and serial numbers. If equipment lacks serial numbers, police recommend etching unique identifiers directly into the item, noting that permanent marker can be easily removed. Law enforcement noted that kicker and trolling motors are frequently stolen, advising owners to remove those motors from vessels during long-term storage.
Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of community vigilance around watercraft. Boat owners and visitors are urged to immediately report any suspicious activity observed at local marinas to port security or law enforcement agencies.
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