Boat engine damaged by water in the fuel tank

Monday, June 30

Watered down gas

10:55 a.m., 301 Bird Key Drive

Criminal Mischief: An officer met with a couple at Bird Key Yacht Club to discuss damage done to their boat when it appeared someone had put approximately nine gallons of water into the fuel tank. They said they were last at their boat on May 31 and, when they returned on June 12 they noticed the flag pole on the top of their boat was bent and the water hose on their boat slip appeared disturbed.

On June 17, they started the boat for the first time since May 31 and began to leave the slip when they noticed the boat shaking. When it would not accelerate, they returned to their boat slip. Another attempt to take out the boat on June 21 yielded the same result. On June 23, a mechanic discovered the water mixed with gas in the fuel tank, the service to remove it costing $700. A tuneup was then recommended, which costs approximately $7,000.

The couple first wanted to press charges, but called later in the day to say they changed their mind and did not wish to press charges without explaining why. Asking that the incident only be documented, no further action was taken.

Tuesday, July 1

Neighborly gesture goes bad 

6:04 p.m., 1600 block of Laurel Street

Property damage: The weekend tenting of an adjacent property left behind a removed section of fence and an unfulfilled promise to have it re-installed. The homeowner told an officer the manager of the multifamily property asked if the tenting company could remove a section of fence in order to secure the tent, providing it was put back in place at the end of the work. 

Several days after the tent had been removed, the complainant saw the section of fence had not been replaced. The property manager told him, according to the incident report, the work was scheduled, and the fence had been temporarily leaned in place. His concern was the fence prevents homeless people from accessing his back yard. 

On this day, he came home around 3 p.m. to find trash strewn across the yard and the section of fence lying in the street.

The complainant told the officer he discussed the matter with the property manager, who explained he was having difficulty finding a contractor to replace the fence as previously agreed. The officer advised the complainant that it was a civil matter that would have to be settled in small claims court if not remedied.