The Bainbridge Island Police Department, working with the Kitsap County Sheriff and the Suquamish Police Department, apprehended three persons involved in the theft a boat from a private residence on Bainbridge Island Monday morning.

Two men, 42 and 39, both from Poulsbo, and a 21-year-old homeless woman were arrested at the Agate Pass Park & Ride shortly before 3 p.m. Jan 4, Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner said.

The men took a “mid-sized” trailered boat with an attached motor from the driveway of a home on the north end of the island, Hamner explained.

An observant neighbor called 911, he added, and also took photos of the theft in progress from his own property.

The thieves also struck a telephone junction box and destroyed it.

The 42-year-old was arrested for first degree felony theft and hit-and-run, as well as possession of a controlled illegal substance.

The younger man was arrested for first degree felony theft and hit-and-run. Authorities said he was also wanted on a federal escape charge.

The woman was questioned and released.

Hamner said that to his knowledge none of the parties involved had been arrested previously on Bainbridge, and he praised the actions of the quick-thinking neighbor.

He also commended Bainbridge Officer Jon Bigham for his quick thinking and for effectively establishing a perimeter by coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, actions which he said, “kept this from turning into a big chase.”

He also extended thanks to the sheriff’s office and Suquamish Police Department.

“We were definitely able to recover the boat and make sure we got it back,” he said.

“Great work by that neighbor,” Hamner added.