CLEARLAKE — A suspected motorcycle thief was arrested Tuesday after driving away during a test ride.
On Aug. 23, the Clearlake Police Department (CPD) was notified by the owner of a 2001 Kawasaki motorcycle that a male known as “Hon” had taken a test drive with the owner”s consent and did not return to pay.
Sgt. Rodd Joseph began an investigation and with assistance from the motorcycle owner, was able to identify the alleged thief as Hanexaysana Rattanavong of Middletown.
The Outlook, an independent newspaper in Clearlake, contacted Joseph requesting information about the theft. The paper printed an article in mid-September regarding the theft. The article generated calls to CPD by other reported victims of crimes allegedly committed by Rattanavong. The reporting parties did not file police reports regarding the separate crimes but relayed information regarding Rattanavong”s whereabouts.
On Tuesday, Rattanavong contacted Joseph at CPD, stating there was a misunderstanding and the motorcycle would be returned to the owner. The motorcycle owner later contacted CPD and stated Rattanavong was on his property attempting to return the motorcycle.
CPD officers responded and Rattanavong was taken into custody. He was charged with vehicle theft, elder abuse and possession of stolen property. He was transported and booked into the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility.
