Theft of Vessel in South River

October 30th, 2019

Press Release for Theft of Vessel in South River

On Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at approximately 5:50am Scituate Police contacted the Marshfield Police Department to report they were responding to a large boat on fire in the South River.  Marshfield Police and members of the Marshfield Harbormaster’s Office arrived on scene to assist in searching for a possible suspect.  Upon arrival, the boat was completely engulfed and subsequently sank to the bottom of the South River.   During the investigation it was discovered an additional vessel had also been stolen across the river in Marshfield.  Through their investigation it was determined that the stolen vessel may have been used by the suspect to flee the area.

A thorough search of the North river, its tributaries and coastline was conducted by Marshfield Police and Harbormaster, Scituate Police and Harbormaster, Norwell Police, a Marshfield Police drone and an airplane from the Marshfield Airport with a pilot and a Marshfield Police Detective aboard.  The Detective and Pilot both spotted the suspect in a stolen vessel in the North River by Route 3.  Surveillance of the vessel was continued as it headed east along the North River until it was intercepted by a boat from the Marshfield Harbormaster’s Office.  The suspect, later identified as David Pongonis 10/07/1983 of 136 Ferry St, Marshfield was taken into custody at that time and charged with the following:

MGL Ch 266 Sec 33: Use Without Authority (Motor Boat)

MGL Ch 266 Sec 30: Larceny over $1,200

MGL Ch 266 Sec  126: Malicious and Wonton Damage or Defacement of Property

MGL Ch 90B Sec 5: Motor Boat Equipment Violation

Pongonis was arraigned on the above charges on Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 and released on personal recognizance.

Scituate PD  is currently investigating the burning of the 40 foot lobster boat along with members of the Massachusetts Fire Marshals Office, EPA and MetroLec Dive Team.

Authority: Sergeant Liam F Rooney