ST. GEORGE — Two men were arrested Monday after they tried to steal a motorcycle by loading it into a van they stole earlier that day, prosecutors said.
The owner of a 2001 Honda CBR 929 motorcycle saw Michael Brooks, 32, and Ralph Tulloch, 39, load his bike parked in front of 107 Victory Blvd. into the back of a 2004 Toyota Sienna van at about 3:50 p.m. Monday, prosecutors said.
When they realized they'd been seen, the two pushed it out of the van — damaging it — then drove away, prosecutors said.
Police caught up with Brooks, who was driving, and Tulloch on Castleton Avenue, near West Street, about 10 minutes later and found the van they were driving was reported stolen earlier on Monday.
Brooks has had his license suspended and revoked several times for failing to pay fines and possession of drugs, prosecutors said.
The pair was charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny and criminal mischief at their arraignment on Tuesday, the Staten Island District Attorney's office said. Brooks was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, the DA said.
Brooks' bail was set at $3,000 and he's due back in court on Friday, according to online court records.
His lawyer did not want to comment for the story.
Tulloch's bail was set at $1,500 and he's due back in court on Friday.
HIs lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
