Crime Stoppers asking for public’s help locating suspect who stole boat

ROTHSCHILD, Wis. (WSAW) - CrimeStoppers of Marathon County is asking for the public’s help locating the 24-year-old man accused of stealing a boat from a private dock.

Dylan McFann is wanted for two outstanding warrants and to face consequences for his newest offenses.

The incident happened on June 17. Investigators said around noon a man, later identified as McFann, arrived by canoe at a private dock near Birch Street and stole a boat. The owner was able to take photos of the suspect. The owner said the suspect drove the boat toward Mosinee. Law enforcement found the boat in the water on Half Moon Lake unoccupied. The suspect had jumped from the boat and swam to a nearby island. Officers searched the island and located the suspect, who then ran to the river and began to swim away. The suspect was eventually arrested around 3 p.m. He was later taken to a health care facility. He walked away and remains at large.

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office is thanking a number of Good Samaritans who assisted law enforcement during the boat theft incident. They say there were three boats nearby during the incident. One of the boaters took deputies to the area of the stolen boat and helped monitor the island until other law enforcement boats arrived. A second citizen boat assisted in watching the island. When the suspect had abandoned the stolen boat, it was still in gear and doing circles in the water. The third Good Samaritan took a deputy to the area of the stolen boat and followed it until it beached. They also helped warn other boaters of danger.

Rothschild Police Department Captain Kevin Ostrowski said police are recommending the man be charged with theft of a motor vehicle related to the boat, criminal damage to property and obstructing an officer.

Captain Ostrowski said people who live in the area of Birch Street should check their belongings. Birch Street is on the east side of the Wisconsin River. If you are missing anything call Rothschild Police at 715-359-3879.