A Porter man has been charged in connection with the theft nearly a year ago of a customized Cubs-themed golf cart belonging to a neighbor, Porter Police said.

Trae L. Christenson, 21, of 204 Wagner Road, has been charged with two counts of theft, the first in connection with the theft of the golf cart, the second with the theft of a motorcycle.

Theft is a Class D felony, punishable by a term of six months to three years in prison.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Det. Mike Veal of the PPD, Christenson removed the golf cart from the driveway at 8 Wagner Road during the dark hours on or about March 27, then transported it with another person to Illinois, where it was sold to an unknown person. The golf cart’s whereabouts are now unknown, Veal told the Chesterton Tribune today.

Christenson is also charged with the theft of a 2001 Kawasaki motorcycle on March 2.

The theft of the golf cart—whose value was estimated at $7,500—prompted a special plea at the time from the wife of its owner, for whom she had it customized as a surprise. It was described as a 1996 Club Car in Cubby blue and white with chrome mag wheels and Aggressive Tire design. It sits higher than normal golf carts and is accessorized in a Cubs theme, with logos on the body and wheel centers and an interior done in tan.

The cart’s owner returned home on March 27 late to discover it missing. It had been parked in the driveway next to a jet ski and behind an SUV, and the thief had to move both the jet ski and a plastic basket of toys to gain access to it, police said. After chocking the rear tire of the jet ski’s trailer with a block of wood, the thief apparently pushed the golf cart onto Busse Street and possibly into the parking lot of the Franklin Food Mart. Tire tracks identified by the golf cart’s owner were found in a low area filled with water and leading into an alley from Busse Street.

Police said that Christenson is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Posted 2/7/2008