Man charged in vehicle theft

PERKINS TWP. — A Sandusky man is facing several felony charges after allegedly attempting to steal multiple vehicles while reportedly intoxicated. Mark A. Rapp, 29, of the 1400 block of Prospect Street, is facing two felony counts of vandalism, three felony counts of theft and two felony counts of breaking and entering. He is additionally charged with one misdemeanor count of theft. On Saturday morning, Perkins police were called to a home in the 4400 block of Campbell St. for the report of an attempted burglary. Officers arrived and discovered that someone had allegedly attempted to steal a utility terrain vehicle and — in the process of trying to hotwire the ignition — had damaged it. The person was then able to hotwire another vehicle and drove it partially down the driveway before it experienced a hydraulic leak and stopped working, according to Perkins police Detective Joseph Rotuno. In the process of trying to drive off with the second vehicle, he purportedly drove over and destroyed a bicycle that Rapp allegedly later told police was his. Police were later called to an address in the 3800 block of Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4) for the report of a stolen motor vehicle. Officers arrived there to discover a Jeep SUV was stolen. Residents were able to determine the Jeep was present at 6:05 a.m. but missing by 6:30 a.m. Officers identified Rapp as a suspect in the Jeep theft and were able to arrest him. The Jeep was reportedly found around the corner from Rapp's Sandusky address, according to Rotuno. Officers determined that Rapp went out drinking for his birthday. His friends took him and his bicycle to a tavern in the 5000 block of Campbell St. but at closing time he was still there and had to ride his bicycle back home. Rapp was reportedly very intoxicated and sending indecipherable text messages to family members and calling them but was unable to tell them where he was, in an attempt to get a ride home, Rotuno said. Rapp has an arraignment scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday in Sandusky Municipal Court according to jail records. It is not clear if he has an attorney.