University Police are investigating the Tuesday theft of a motorcycle from outside the engineering building on Garden Drive.

A red 2003 Kawasaki was taken from 590 Garden Drive between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., police said.

The owner of the motorcycle was trying to sell it and had let a prospective buyer take it for a test ride. The prospective buyer was in possession of the motorcycle when it was taken, police said.

Sgt. Todd Henert said he assumes the buyer was attending class in a nearby building when the motorcycle was taken.

The motorcycle is estimated to be worth $5,000, he said.

Theft of a motor vehicle is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison and a possible $25,000 fine.

Lt. Matt Kiederlen said he could think of only one actual vehicle theft on campus in the last 10 years. Often, a student mistakes his/her car for being stolen when they forget where they parked, he said.