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Cops: Volunteer firefighter suspected in scuba gear theft - Bucks County Courier Times: Upper | Lower Southampton | Northampton | Warminster | Centennial | Council Rock | Neshaminy
A 26-year-old Lower Southampton volunteer firefighter is expected to surrender to police for allegedly stealing $30,000 worth of scuba equipment from his fire department.
The theft prevented the townships marine rescue unit from searching for a missing 49-year-old boater who fell into the Delaware River over the weekend, police said.
The man's name isn't being released but police said he is a longtime volunteer at Station 6 on Elmwood Avenue and is cooperating with their investigation. Criminal charges are pending, Detective Shane Hearn said.
The theft of the gear, including four or five scuba suits, accessories and air tanks, was reported to police Wednesday after being discovered missing Saturday when the squads Marine Unit was requested to assist in the search for John Poltonowicz, of Bristol Township. He was reported missing in the Delaware Friday afternoon and is presumed dead, police said.
The stolen scuba gear was recovered Wednesday at a Lower Southampton pawn shop, Hearn said, adding that the suspect is expected to turn himself in soon.