As of Friday (Aug. 16) authorities did not know why strange-looking dolls were placed along roadways in Festus and Crystal City earlier in the week, or who did it.
Whoever placed the dolls – described by various sources as looking “creepy” – had not stepped forward to take responsibility or explain why they did it, Festus Police Capt. Doug Wendel said.
Wendel said the dolls look lifelike enough that a passing driver could mistake them for children, and that could create a safety concern for people who might unwittingly stop to help.
The only doll reported to Festus Police was left at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard (Hwy. A) and South Mill Street, he said.
“They leaned it up on a traffic light at Hwy. A,” he said. “Someone might stop to help.”
Another of the dolls was placed on top of a traffic light at the intersection of Truman Boulevard (Hwy. 61-67) and Bailey Road in Crystal City.
Crystal City Police Capt. Mike Pruneau said he believes the dolls were put in place to draw attention, and got more attention than deserved.
“I’m sure it’s just somebody playing a prank,” he said.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Grant Bissell said he had not heard of any similar incidents in the county’s unincorporated area.