A fishing complaint investigation at Pupukea on the North Shore by a state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer turned into an auto theft case on Wednesday.

Deborah Ward, land department spokeswoman, said an Oahu enforcement officer received a complaint of a fisherman laying a net in the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District and went to the area at 7:30 a.m.

The officer cited the 28-year-old man for fishing in a no-fishing zone.

After being cited for illegal fishing, the suspect also was arrested on suspicion of auto theft.

A police officer had staked out his car and had been waiting for the suspect to return.

The suspect was taken to Wahiawa police station at 10 a.m.