Acushnet Man Chooses Kayak as Getaway Vehicle, Doesn’t Get Too Far

An Acushnet man, apparently wet behind the ears, is under arrest after trying to evade capture in a kayak.

Fairhaven Police Sgt. Kevin Kobza says 26-year-old Robert Diodato of Acushnet was seen by police in the town early Wednesday afternoon. Diodato was wanted on two warrants related to possession of heroin out of New Bedford and larceny over $250 out of Fairhaven.

He had apparaently removed a GPS monitoring bracelet from his ankle before making his daring escape attempt in a kayak into Little Bay between Mattapoisett and Fairhaven, eventually paddling out to Girl Scout Island.

Sgt. Kobza says Diodato was arrested soon after police dispatched their marine unit. "We took him into custody as he was actually leaving Girl Scout Island in the kayak. We apprehended him on the high seas as he was making his way back to land," said Kobza. "When our vessels are powered by outboard motors and he's using a paddle, the odds are definitely in our favor."

Kobza says there were no injuries during the incident.

In addition to the outstanding warrants, Diodato faces an additional charge of disorderly conduct.