By Jim Hannah
Enquirer staff writer

DAYTON, Ky. - Police say stealing some stuff wasn't enough for four thieves.

They wanted the whole boatload - and the boat itself.

A Newport man remained locked up Thursday evening on a charge of stealing a boat, and there was a manhunt for three alleged accomplices.

Four thieves sneaked onto the docks of Watertown Yacht Club at 1301 Fourth Ave., broke into a houseboat, found the keys, and cruised off, police say.

The houseboat was spotted up and down the Ohio River between 1 and 3 a.m. Thursday, and the Bellevue/Dayton Fire Department came to the rescue, or tried.

The department has a fireboat. With an officer on board, it chased the houseboat down the river.

There was a report of someone recklessly driving a houseboat near the Licking River.

A Ludlow police officer spotted a boat matching the description of the houseboat in front of his riverfront town a short time later. While standing on shore, he shined a spotlight on the wanted craft.

The boat took off with the fireboat in pursuit. The houseboat eventually ran ashore somewhere in Kenton County.

Dayton Police Chief Mark Brown said officers nabbed one of the thieves.

Fred Randolph, 29, of Newport is being held at the Campbell County jail in lieu of $13,500 bond. He is charged with receiving stolen property. He also faces unrelated charges of back child support. Officers are still looking for three others believed to be on the boat.

"We are hot on the trail of the other three," Brown said. "If they are smart, they will turn themselves in."

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com