A man arrested following a large-scale Police manhunt involving scores of officers, a drone and a dog unit in Ventnor over the weekend has now been charged in connection with the theft of around £500 worth of fragrances from a Ryde chemist.
26-year-old Bailey Smith, of High Street in Ryde, has been charged with burglary other than dwelling.
The charge follows a significant Police operation in Ventnor on Sunday evening as previously reported by Island Echo, which saw officers descend on both upper and lower Ventnor shortly after 18:00 as they searched for a suspect.
Searches initially focused around the Lowtherville Road area, with a Police drone deployed overhead to assist scores of officers on the ground.
The initial search proved unsuccessful and resources began to stand down.
However, at around 19:30, new information led Police to Marlborough Road in central Ventnor and the search quickly ramped up again.
The drone was deployed for a second time and a local dog unit joined officers as they moved in to locate the suspect.
Shortly before 20:00, a 26-year-old man was successfully located and arrested.
He was placed in handcuffs and taken out onto the High Street, where he was put into a Police van before being transported to custody.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has now confirmed that Smith has been charged with burglary other than dwelling.
The charge relates to an incident at Gibbs & Gurnell chemist on Union Street in Ryde on Saturday 12th September, during which approximately £500 worth of fragrances were stolen.
Smith has been bailed to appear before Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday 30th October.
