Kennewick man arrested in Connelly Park boat motor theft
A Kennewick man was arrested after allegedly stealing a boat motor at Connelly Park on Aug. 18, prior to the park reopening to the community. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for a second suspect.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
MOSES LAKE — A 48-year-old Kennewick man was arrested Aug. 31 in connection with the theft of an outboard boat motor from Connelly Park, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office Crime Reduction Team arrested Justin Leatherwood after an investigation into the Aug. 18 theft. Deputies allege two people entered the park after cutting a gate lock, then stole a boat motor and loaded it into a van.
At this time, Connelly Park was still closed to the public for repairs after a severe windstorm earlier this year. The park did not open back up to the community until Aug. 28.
Using the Flock camera system, CRT investigators identified the suspect vehicle and at least one suspect, according to the sheriff's office.
Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said investigators used cameras available in the Moses Lake area to help track the vehicle.
"Kennewick partnered with us to look for the suspect vehicle since it was registered to someone who lives in Kennewick, and they were able to find the vehicle as well as the owner of the vehicle and detain them until CRT drove to Kennewick and made the arrest," Foreman said.
Kennewick police located the van and its owner Aug. 31. CRT deputies traveled to Kennewick and took Leatherwood into custody.
Leatherwood was booked into the Grant County Jail for investigation of first-degree theft, second-degree criminal trespass and third-degree malicious mischief.
Foreman said investigators have not released details about where the boat motor was located within the park before it was stolen. He also said he was not aware of frequent problems involving people cutting locks or trespassing at Connelly Park.
"I don't hear that a lot, that we have a lot of problems down there after hours," Foreman said.
Investigators are continuing to search for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the theft.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160 or email [email protected].