Press Release

Tip Leads to Recovery of Stolen Boating Property

May 18, 2005

A tip to police led to the recent recovery of stolen boating property in Baldwin County. On Sunday, May 15, Foley police found two individuals in possession of a stolen boat, motor, and trailer on County Road 20. When the police arrived, the two suspects ran into the woods and a manhunt ensued. After a four-hour search, one suspect was captured. The Marine Police were called to assist and determine that the boat, a 17-foot Sable valued at $8,000 was in fact stolen.

After obtaining consent to search from the owner of the property, police recovered marine electronic equipment, a steering wheel, a hatch cover, and other items from inside and around one of the suspects’ vehicles. A 250 HP Yamaha motor was also recovered.

Foley police provided information that another boat was stolen/abandoned in the Blackwater River, and another was in the woods in south Baldwin County. On May 16, 2005, with the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Air Support Unit, the Marine Police located a 1999, 25-foot Edgewater boat off of the Blackwater River. The boat, along with the 250 HP motor recovered a day earlier, were determined to have been stolen from Lillian, Alabama, during the past month.  The $40,000 boat had been completely stripped.

Allen Dewayne Kleinschmidt, 28, of Foley has been charged with two counts of receiving stolen property, one for each boat.  Another individual is wanted for questioning.

Also, recovered on May 15 were five Yamaha lower units, two of which are suspected to have been stolen from Orange Beach, and one from Escambia County, Florida. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Cooperating agencies in the marine theft investigation include the Foley Police Department, Alabama Marine Police Division, Orange Beach Police Department, Gulf Shores Police Department-K-9 Unit, Department of Public Safety-Air Support Unit.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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