Vessel 1 operator stole (V-1) from the Melbourne Harbor Marina slip  in front of the Chart House restaurant. The ignition keys were hidden inside the locked cabin and the keys to unlock the cabin were hidden near the helm or near the refrigerator. The operator navigated (V-1) northbound in the Indian River to Merritt Island where he attempted to leave (V-1) and steal a second vessel. During the attempted theft witnesses reported the incident to Law Enforcement Officials who began responding toward the scene. (V-1) operator re-boarded (V-1) and fled the scene. The BCSO helicopter was dispatched and began pursuing (V-1). During the pursuit, the subject left the helm by entering the cabin of V-1 while it was  underway at a speed estimated at 10 miles per hour. (V-1) subsequently collided with the dock causing minimal damage to the last 1/8 section of dock valued at $980.00 and minimal damage to the vessels port side bow section at the rub rail and keel. The operator was not injured during the collision and reportedly faked a suicide by placing a rope around his neck.   

Additional/supporting documents available at the NE region (Ocala) office.
ROCKLEDGE                     