A 30-year-old Arnold man is suspected of stealing two vehicles in Arnold – a delivery van from outside the Local House Restaurant and Bar and a car from outside the A&W restaurant. The man allegedly was found driving the stolen car, Detective Lt. Jeremy Christopher said.
Investigators believe the man stole the car, a 2009 Honda Civic, at about 3:15 p.m. Sept. 14 from outside the A&W restaurant, 3998 Jeffco Blvd. The victim, a 46-year-old Arnold man, said he had left the car running when he went into the restaurant to pick up a carry-out order, the report said.
Webster Groves Police stopped the stolen Civic at about 9:35 a.m. Sept. 15 for a traffic violation, and the 30-year-old Arnold man allegedly was driving the car at that time. The man was arrested, but he was released pending application for warrants, Arnold Police reported.
Investigators believe the same man also stole a 2013 Ford Econoline refrigerated van that belongs to the Imo’s Meat Co. in St. Louis. The van was stolen Aug. 30 after the keys were left inside it while the delivers driver was at the Local House Restaurant and Bar, the report said.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police recovered the van Aug. 31, but no one was inside the vehicle at the time, according to the report.
The investigation is ongoing, but Arnold Police likely will seek charges against the man through the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for stealing motor vehicles, Christopher said.