The yacht stolen in New Jersey sparked a confrontation in Rhode Island

After a stolen yacht was found in Newport, a city in Rhode Island, United States, a 27‑year‑old suspect was killed in an armed confrontation with police. A Newport police officer was also wounded when he was shot in the leg. The officer was discharged from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home, officials said.

Trail of the Stolen Yacht Followed

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Newport North Anchorage area. While searching for the 40‑foot‑long vintage luxury yacht reported stolen in New Jersey, Newport Port Authority crews were alerted that the vessel had been docked in the area, prompting police action.

Yacht Stolen from New Jersey

According to police records, the vessel was stolen from Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City on Saturday night. Footage from security cameras showed the suspect entering the marina through a door, unlocking the yacht, and leaving the area with the vessel.

Owner's Shock

Yacht owner Jim Bonomo said he was trying to piece together events after the incident. He reported that the 1968 Hinckley Bermuda he owned had disappeared, and when they arrived at the dock they found it was not there.

Police Approached the Dock

On Wednesday, just after 9:00 a.m., police responded to a tip that a vessel resembling a docked boat was in Newport. As officers approached the dock, a person inside fled to the hold and produced a weapon.

Did Not Obey Orders

Police said the suspect in the dock failed to surrender despite officers' loud warnings and responded with gunfire. After the confrontation, shots were exchanged. The suspect died on the scene, shot in the shoulder by a police officer.

Suspect's Identity Revealed

Newport police announced that the 27‑year‑old Newport resident Brendan Norris was the person killed in the armed confrontation. It was reported that the investigation is continuing after the incident.

GPS System Disabled

Boat owner Bonomo said the suspect disabled the GPS device shortly after boarding the vessel. This detail made tracking the vessel's route from New Jersey to Rhode Island more difficult.

Why Was the Boat Chosen? Target or Accident?

The 1968 model Hinckley Bermuda is regarded as a top‑tier vessel in the maritime world. Bonomo said it is still unclear whether the boat was specifically targeted or whether the theft occurred randomly.

Operating the Old Boat Is Not Easy; It Requires Expertise.

Bonomo said that because the yacht is an older model, operating and using it requires specific knowledge. He said the vessel is not a simple machine that can be started with the push of a single button like an ordinary vehicle.

The yacht is expected to return home.

Evaluating what happened to the vessel, Bonomo said that after the incident concluded they would look into ways to bring the yacht back to New Jersey. After the vessel's condition is examined, a decision will be made on how to bring it back.

The Incident's Outcome

The incident in Newport began when the 40‑foot yacht stolen from New Jersey on Saturday night was found in Rhode Island on Wednesday. During police intervention, 27‑year‑old Brendan Norris was killed, a Newport police officer was injured in the leg and later discharged from the hospital.