3 Arrested in Vinoy Marina Boat Burglaries

Three people have been arrested following a boat burglary spree Monday night at Vinoy Marina.

The St. Petersburg Police Department said in an email to media that officers were called to the 501 5th Ave. N.E. marina around 11 p.m. Security guards informed officers that three people had entered at least two boats. When security tried to catch them, they ran.

Police, however, were able to catch up with the trio in the area of 3rd Avenue Northeast and Beach Drive. The three were carrying “alcohol that they had taken from one of the boats,” the email said. Security guards also positively identified them.

During the course of the investigation, officers discovered that one of the boats was occupied by a sleeping owner at the time of the burglary. The owner, however, woke up after hearing people walking on his deck, the email said. He called security.

Cody Tompkins, 20, James White, 18, and a 17-year-old, whose name is not being released, were all charged with two counts of armed burglary. One of the three was carrying a knife, police said.

White was also charged in relation to a Sept. 20 burglary at the marina that resulted in guns, a television and alcohol being stolen.