BELFAST — Belfast Police have arrested a man in connection with the recent theft of bottles and a bottle trailer from Belfast’s Randall Collins VFW, according to a press release from Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier. 

Ryan Hast, 35, of Morrill, was arrested following an investigation that began July 10, after the VFW reported that their bottles had been stolen multiple times, and most recently the trailer used to store and transport the bottles was also taken. 

Hast has been charged with class C felony theft for his suspected thefts from the Belfast VFW.

The VFW theft, which included one of the trailers the group uses for recycling. The trailer was full of bottles and cans that the local veterans use to fund and sustain the VFW post and support community events. 

Police, following tips and leads, focused their search in the east Belfast area, where they ultimately found the missing trailer. 

The trailer was located July 13, by officers searching the woods off Back Searsport Road. The trailer was found roughly 200 yards into the woods, which was seized for evidence. The identity of the suspected thief was confirmed a few hours later, leading police to obtain a warrant for his arrest. 

At approximately 6 p.m. July 13, acting on a tip, Belfast officers identified a vehicle fitting the description of the suspected vehicle traveling west on Hammond Road in Swanville, where a traffic stop was initiated. The driver was positively identified as suspect Ryan Hast, who was then placed under arrest. 

Hast was transported back to the Belfast Police Department where he was interviewed by detectives before being booked into Waldo County Jail. Hast is currently being held on cash bail.  

The vehicle allegedly used in the crime was also seized for further investigation. 

This is not the first time bottles have been stolen from the same VFW hall, though it is unclear if Hast has any connection to the other thefts. 

Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier ended his release by acknowledging the teamwork involved in finding the suspected thief. 

“The arrest was a great example of teamwork by our officers and the public’s help with tips and information which ultimately led to his arrest. We hope that by bringing this case to a close quickly, it brings some closure for the members of the post who were impacted by the thefts. Thank you to all who helped with this case.”

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com