A couple was arrested Saturday after burglarizing two trailers at Galway Bay trailer park in Marathon.
Deputy Greg LaRochelle responded to Galway Bay Trailer Park Saturday afternoon to reports of a burglary to one of the trailers in the park. The victim told him he came home at 4 p.m. and found 31 year old Nicholas Belanger in the bedroom of his trailer. He said Belanger had taken his 9mm pistol from the nightstand and was holding it when he walked in. The victim said when he confronted Belanger, Belanger threw the gun on the bed and pushed him, then fled from the trailer.
The victim was able to identify Belanger because Belanger used to live in the trailer next door. When Deputy LaRochelle checked the trailer next door, he found evidence Belanger had also entered that residence.
Witnesses who live nearby told Deputy LaRochelle they saw Belanger enter both trailers at about 4 p.m. Saturday. They said he was riding in a green sport utility vehicle driven by a woman, later identified as 26 year old Kayla Courtemanche. They said they saw Belanger come running from one trailer and jump in the SUV, which then quickly drove away.
Investigations by Detective Scott Ward indicated the couple might be in the area of Big Pine Key, where Courtemanche lives with her father. Deputy Andrew Hudson spotted the green SUV – a Kia Sportage – southbound at the 31.5 mm at 5:30 p.m.He attempted to stop the vehicle on 1st Street but briefly lost sight of it. He caught up with it at 1st Street and Avenue H. Courtemanche was driving.
She was initially uncooperative, but later admitted Belanger had been in the car with her and had fled from the vehicle on foot. She was arrested and charged with being an accessory to Belanger’s crimes.
Just before 9 p.m., Deputy Darren Jensen spotted Belanger walking on Avenue A, Big Pine Key. Belanger was taken into custody. He was charged with burglary with battery on the occupant, armed burglary, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and resisting arrest.