Tiverton police: Man charged with breaking into the Boat House restaurant

TIVERTON — A Middletown man has been arrested and charged with breaking into and vandalizing the Boat House restaurant in Tiverton.

Tiverton police responded to a report of a break-in at the Schooner Drive restaurant on Feb. 28. Investigators discovered a large amount of alcohol and the restaurant's safe, containing thousands of dollars in cash, were missing, police said.

The Boat House is equipped with video surveillance cameras, and police obtained a still photo of the break-in suspect from the footage and posted it online. Within minutes, police detectives received tips identifying the suspect as Lino Loyola, 55, of Middletown.

Tiverton, Portsmouth and Middletown police and detectives obtained warrants for Loyola's arrest and to search his home. Police said a search of Loyola's home resulted in the recovery of items taken from the Boathouse and evidence linking him to the break-in.

Loyola faces charges of vandalism and breaking and entering into a business. He was released on bail after his arraignment.

Tiverton police credited citizens' tips for identifying the suspect and leading to his arrest.