ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — A man has bonded out of jail after his arrest Saturday on charges of stealing a boat, which he then allegedly used trying to get away from law enforcement.
37-year-old Tristan Eugene Royer is charged with grand theft, petty theft and burglary.
Deputies say the incident began Saturday after a boat reported stolen in Lee County had been spotted by Venice marine units.
Police tried to stop the driver of the boat, later identified as Royer, but he sped off, launching a chase.
The pursuit continued into Charlotte County territory; where county deputies were able to stop the boat in Grove City.
A woman who was in the boat with Royer during the chase was initially detained, then released after speaking with investigators.
Police say the boat belonged to a charter boat captain Royer used to work for. Investigators say he also broke into another boat, stealing a backpack containing cash and credit cards.
Royer made his first court appearance Sunday and is due to be arraigned in August.
