Theft of Potted Plants and Trash Bin Leads to Arrest of Man with Meth
Photo: recovered stolen plants
FOREST KNOLLS — A man possibly high on methamphetamine was arrested on suspicion of stealing potted plants and a trash bin. The thefts occurred at a restaurant near where the suspect lives.
It happened at Arti Natural Indian Café, located at 7282 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Lagunitas. The items were stolen from the restaurant patio on November 13, shortly after 5 a.m.
A surveillance camera recorded the suspect arriving at the restaurant in a black 4- door sedan. The video also shows one hub cap conspicuously missing from the front driver’s side.
Marin County Sheriff’s Office deputies reviewed the video, but they were unable to immediately identify the suspect. However, the recorded images of the plant purloiner’s car were excellent.
A deputy spotted the vehicle parked nearby in a driveway in the neighboring community of Forest Knolls. While the deputy was investigating the suspect drove out of the driveway.
The deputy stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver, Brett Hatt Jr., 39 of Forest Knolls. A statement released by the sheriff’s office said Hatt admitted to stealing two plants and the trash bin.
Hatt’s residence in Forest Knolls was searched. The plants and trash bin were recovered and returned to the restaurant. In addition, Hatt was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine.
Hatt was booked at Marin County Jail for petty theft, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation. His record includes 11 prior arrests for battery, drug possession, petty theft, and other offenses.
