Dustin N. Melson, 30, of Springfield, was charged Monday with a felony count of theft of a motor vehicle related to the alleged theft of a golf cart from Spend-A-Day Marina, 9481 State Route 708, Russells Point, over the weekend.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched about 3:15 p.m. Sunday to the business in reference to a stolen golf cart. That afternoon, Spend-A-Day staff observed a work golf cart missing.
In a review of video surveillance, the staff members reportedly observed a white male suspect taking the golf cart at 2:12 a.m. Sunday and then heading west on Chesnut Street. The golf cart was described as a 2010 Yamaha with a custom-made rear bed.
About 7 p.m. Monday, Spend-A-Day employees contacted the Russells Point Police Department in regarding to observing an individual walking in the area who appeared to match the description of the suspect.
Officers of the Russells Point Police Department were able to detain the individual, identified as Melson, and requested additional units to respond.
Deputies arriving on the scene were able to question Melson, who admitted he had taken the golf cart from the business Sunday morning, stating he’d made a “bad decision” and wanted to return the golf cart. The defendant advised the golf cart was at his relative’s residence on Park Street in Lakeview.
Melson also had on his backpack with a number of criminal tools, including a pry bar, bolt cutters, socket set, two-way radios, computer hard drives, flash drives and other items of suspicion, deputies said.
The defendant was placed under arrest and was transported to the Logan County Jail. During a recorded interview, he also reportedly admitted to involvement in a break-in to two storage units at 210 N. Main St., Lakeview, about 30 days prior. The detective division continues their investigation.
A report also has been forwarded to the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office for review of additional charges, including breaking and entering and possession of criminal tools.
2 transported from S.R. 117 crash
Driver David Shreve, 68, and his passenger, Ina F. Vermillion, 81, both of Bellefontaine, were transported by BMRT and Indian Lake squads to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries sustained in a crash Saturday evening.
Deputies report Adelynn M. Angles, 17, of Russells Point, was operating a westbound 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt on Township Road 100 about 11:15 p.m. and stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of State Route 117.
She then attempted to continue westbound into the intersection and was struck in the rear passenger side by a southbound 2013 Nissan Altima operated by Shreve.
Adelynn was checked at the scene by Huntsville EMS personnel, but did not report any injuries. She was cited for failure to yield from a stop sign.
All of the occupants were wearing their seat belts. Damage was heavy to both vehicles.