MARATHON, N.Y. (WHCU) – A chance encounter leads to a felony arrest in Marathon.

New York State Police at Homer were on an unrelated call on Front Street in the Village of Marathon Tuesday when they recognized a suspect in an April theft investigation. Authorities say 28-year-old Benjamin Truitt stole a jet ski and trailer from a home on Merrill Creek Road and parked it in the backyard of another residence on Front Street. The stolen property was returned to the owner.

Truitt is charged with grand larceny. He will appear in court on July 12, 2023.