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Pinellas Deputies Arrest 3 They Believe Operated Boat Theft Ring

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TBO.com

Published: March 3, 2009

Pinellas deputies arrested three men they say operated a boat theft ring during an early-morning chase in Tierra Verde.

Authorities say Cristobal Rodriguez Contreras, Diomere Mendez and Yordis Gutierrez were spotted trying to steal a power boat worth about $175,000 early Tuesday morning from a home, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies saw the 34-foot Spectre boat motoring with lights off down a Tierra Verde canal near a Gulf access after the trio had undocked it from a home at 127 11th Street East.

Contreras, 36, of 10952 SW 5th St., Miami, Mendez, 32, of 539 East 27th St., Hialeah, and Gutierrez, 31, 5337 Holland St., Naples, were caught after they ran from deputies between 2 and 3 a.m. and were hiding at 436 7th Ave, the sheriff's office said.

Mendez and Gutierrez were found with help from deputy K-9 Deuce hiding under stairs at 436 7th Aven. Mendez was bit by the dog in his right arm and received medical attention for minor injuries.

Contreras was found hiding at 432 7th Ave. in Tierra Verde.

Deputies say this is one of at least two attempts to steal high-end boats in Tierra Verde this year. Authorities reported seven luxury boat thefts in south Pinellas County last year.

The three men were taken to the Pinellas County Jail on charges of grand theft.

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