Two Herculaneum Police officers were recognized for exemplary service at a recent Herculaneum Board of Aldermen meeting.
Officer Kenneth Westcott and Detective Cpl. Jacquelyn Olsen were honored for outstanding investigative work and teamwork stemming from an Oct. 26 incident when at least three people allegedly broke into the Sapaugh GM Country car dealership in Herculaneum and stole a 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody worth about $78,000, according to the case’s probable-cause statement.
Herculaneum Police Chief Sharia Kyle said the two officers combed through hundreds of digital images from the city’s license plate-reading camera system.
Kyle said the investigative work helped Westcott locate the vehicle.
Olson was then able to obtain a search warrant, which was executed Nov. 6 at the Overland home of Dasani Zyshon Thomas, 23. Investigators found the car and arrested Thomas, who admitted to stealing the car, according to the police report.
Thomas had allegedly dismantled and altered the car by cutting and modifying the frame.
He also put a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate on the car that was registered to a legally owned vehicle, according to the report.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Thomas with stealing an item valued at more than $25,000, a class C felony punishable by three to 10 years in prison.
Kyle said police located the stolen Dodge and also found guns and narcotics.
She said Thomas also was a homicide suspect.
Kyle said she is proud of the efforts of her officers and said their recent performance reflects the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the safety and well-being of the community.
“The professionalism and dedication demonstrated by these officers reinforce public confidence in our department and reflect great credit upon the city of Herculaneum,” Kyle said. “Their actions exemplify the values of integrity, service and accountability that our department strives to uphold.”
Herculaneum Mayor Ryan Wright presented proclamations to both officers at the Nov. 17 Board of Aldermen meeting.
Wright said he was grateful to the officers because catching and prosecuting criminals makes Herculaneum business owners and residents feel safer.
He said the dedication and diligent efforts of the officers ensured accountability and justice for the residents of Herculaneum and prevented further criminal activity.
“Criminals know not to steal from this town because they will find and catch you. It does deter a lot of crime,” Wright said.
In November, Kyle said another suspect has been identified, but the investigation was still ongoing. The Herculaneum Police Department declined to release any more information.