Updated, 4:53 p.m. Nov. 29, 2016: Charges have been filed for recent boat break-ins in Heritage Harbor. According to the criminal complaint, Aaron Howell, 20, and Laven Ritchie, 19, face several felony charges for burglary, theft and tampering with evidence. Misdemeanors for theft and criminal mischief were also filed.
The complaint states that three boats had items stolen from them on Nov. 19 with a total value of about $2,800.
Howell and Ritchie were caught on surveillance video at an apartment complex carrying several stolen items. They also burned evidence in an attempt to get rid of it, according to the complaint.
A hunting rifle and some dive gear are among the items recovered. The firearm was recovered from a third party who had purchased it from the defendants for $50.
Howell and Ritchie are scheduled to be in court Wednesday at 10 a.m. for their arraignment hearing.
Charges pending in recent Wrangell boat break-ins
Original version, posted 1 p.m. Nov. 29, 2016: Wrangell police said charges are pending for recent boat break-ins in Heritage Harbor.
Two suspects are awaiting charges, but police would not identify them.
Five boats were reported broken into Nov. 20. Only three are thought to have had items stolen.
A hunting rifle and dive gear are among the items recovered.
VHF radios, binoculars and several items were also taken.
Police did not elaborate whether everything was recovered.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle reported stolen the same day still has not been found. Police are unsure whether the incident is related.
A car for sale on Front Street was also reported vandalized Nov. 23.
Most of its windows were smashed out, but nothing was reported missing from the vehicle.
Police said they are following leads, and would not say whether it’s thought to be connected.
