WATGERFORD - State Police were called to Erie Canal Locks in Waterford, by employees of the New York State Education Department.  The Education Dept moors the  Historic vessel the  "Day Peckinpaugh" at the locks.  

Employees discovered someone had entered the ship and opened valves flooding the vessel. 

Also  a 1973 Chevlorlet Blazer owned by the Education Dept. had been taken from the site.

The employees closed the valves, used pumps and a private tug to keep the ship from sinking.  

The investigation revealed an ex-employee of the Education Dept who worked on the ship  until February 25, had entered it on Sunday and opened the valves to flood it.  He then stole the vehicle from the site which he abandoned and was later recovered in Waterford.  

The vessel sustained extensive damage due to the flooding and repairs are expected to be in excess of $10,000 but the exact amount of damage has not been determined.  

State Police arrested Guy Pucci, 35, Hudson St., Waterford, for criminal mischief 2nd and grand larceny 4th.   Pucci was arraigned in the Village of Waterford Court and he was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.