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Agent’s bike is allegedly stolen
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Posted on Oct 21 2016
This one is for the books.
A notorious habitual offender allegedly stole a bicycle owned by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations agent who secured it with a metal chain in front of his house in Chalan Kanoa. The surveillance cameras at the agent’s house led to the suspect’s identification and subsequent arrest.
Marco Selepeo Fitial, 36, was arrested in Garapan on Wednesday night for theft.
Police said Fitial admitted to stealing the agent’s bicycle to support his illegal drug habit. His bail was set at $10,000 cash; preliminary hearing is on Oct. 26 at 9am.
Assistant public defender Michael Sato was appointed as counsel for Fitial. Assistant attorney general Betsy Weintraub appeared for the government.
Police detective Myron O. Laniyo stated in his report that an HSI agent reported to the Department of Public Safety last July 31 that his bicycle had been stolen that morning.
Laniyo said the agent realized that his bike was missing from the front of his house, when he was getting ready for a bike ride that afternoon.
When the agent reviewed his surveillance cameras at the house, he observed a man, wearing a gray or white T-shirt, dark-colored baggy shorts and a baseball cap, appearing from the side of his home at 5:18am.
The suspect then made his way to the agent’s bike, cut its metal chain with a bolt cutter, then took it away.
Laniyo said upon reviewing the footage, he immediately identified the suspect as Fitial.
Laniyo personally knows Fitial from previous numerous criminal cases, including burglary and theft incidents.
Laniyo said in an interview at the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau last Aug. 19 that Fitial waived his right to remain silent and to have an attorney.
Laniyo said Fitial confessed to stealing the agent’s bike.
The bike was worth between $350 and $400. The chain was worth $20 and the bike’s seat was valued at $20, police said.
