Worcester County Bureau Of Investigation Press Release

DATE: February 26, 2013CBI Case #: 13-0054 
LOCATION: 12900 Block Sunset Avenue
CRIME: Theft $10,000 to under $100,000
SUSPECT: Kyle Joseph Owens
W/M, 20 yoa
Ocean City, Maryland
NARRATIVE: On February 19, 2013, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 12900 Block of Sunset Avenue, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, for a reported theft. Upon arrival, the Deputy met with the victim who advised that sometime over the weekend someone had stolen his boat propeller and the rudder from his boat.

The victim described the propeller as being nearly 48” in diameter and being made of brass, and advised that the cost of the propeller would be between $8,000 and $10,000. The rudder was described as nearly 3’ wide and 4’ tall, and was made of steel. The victim stated that the replacement cost of the rudder would be $2,000-$3,000.

On February 20, 2013, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was contacted by the victim regarding this case, who advised that on February 19 had viewed surveillance video and observed that on February 16, a pickup truck with a white cap on the backs up to the location that the items were stolen from. The victim stated that after viewing the surveillance video he was driving in the area of the theft and observed a truck matching the vehicle that was observed on the video.

Detectives conducted a check on the registration that the victim provided, and found that the vehicle was registered to Kyle Joseph Owens. Detectives then conducted a check of the local pawn shop records for Owens’ name, and found that on February 16, 2013, Owens had sold 345 lbs of brass to a local scrap yard.

Upon responding to the scrap yard, Detectives made contact with the clerk, who was able to advise that the brass that Owens had sold was a 5 blade propeller, which was later identified as belonging to the victim. While at the scrap yard, Detectives made contact with the yard manager, who advised that he recalled that Owens had also scrapped the rudder at the time the propeller was scrapped.

On February 22, 2013, Detectives met with Owens for an interview. During the interview, Owens admitted to having taken the propeller and the rudder. Owens was served with a criminal summons from the District Court of Maryland, charging him with Theft: $10,000 to under $100,000.