A Leesburg man was arrested on a warrant this past week for allegedly stealing a motorcycle that the owner let him test drive in January.
Bobby Lynn Russell, 32, asked the owner of a white 2007 Honda motorcycle for a test drive at 2:50 p.m., Jan. 22, according to an affidavit of probable cause out of Lake County.
The owner agreed and told Russell that he could follow him to RecycleiT, a nearby recycling center at 15940 Old U.S. Hwy. 441, Tavares. Russell stayed outside the gate on the motorcycle while the owner went inside to unload scrap material. While he did so, he was told Russell left on the motorcycle without permission, the affidavit said.
He immediately messaged Russell, instructing him to return it to his house and saying he had no right to take it elsewhere. Russell agreed to return it but never showed up. After multiple attempts to get in contact, Russell finally messaged back around 10 p.m. saying he would bring it back, the affidavit said.
The owner decided to go to Russell’s house in Leesburg off Harbor Shores, but when he got there, the motorcycle was gone. He was informed Russell had left with it before he got there, the affidavit said.
He was later tipped off about the motorcycle’s location and was able to retrieve it on Jan. 24. He estimated it was worth $7,500 with damages costing $2,100. It had been painted purple and black after being taken, the affidavit said.
The owner also gave law enforcement messages between him and Russell where he repeatedly asked for the motorcycle back. At one point, Russell stated 15 people messaged him about the bike saying the owner told them he stole it. He claimed that was not the case and asked where he wanted it returned, the affidavit said.
At the time of the affidavit being written on Jan. 27, the owner still did not have the keys to the motorcycle and wanted Russell prosecuted for the theft.
Russell was arrested Tuesday morning on a warrant charging him with grand theft auto and criminal mischief. The Tennessee native was transported to Lake County Jail and released after posting $5,000 bond.