Eureka Police arrested a 28-year-old Franklin County after a car he was a passenger in was pulled over on I-44 and officers allegedly found stolen items from at least two stores. The incident happened Jan. 2, authorities reported.
Police were called to the Dickey Bub Farm and Home store, 100 Hilltop Village Center Drive, in Eureka at about 7:50 p.m., after the store’s manager reported that two men had left without paying for items and fled in a Chevrolet Camaro. The stolen merchandise was valued at $512, police reported.
The manager told police two men entered the store at about 7:25 p.m. and kept going between the clothing and tool department. When they were leaving the store, the anti-theft system was activated, and the two men were told to stop. However, they ran to the Camaro and drove away from the parking lot, the report said.
Officers pulled over a Camaro matching a description of the one that fled the store on I-44 near mile marker 259. The driver, a 30-year-old Franklin County man, said he had no knowledge of a theft at Dickey Bub, according to the report.
However, officers saw an impact driver on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat and numerous tools on the floorboard in front of the passenger seat. There was also a baseball cap, which appeared to be stolen, on the dashboard in front of the driver, the report said.
When the driver and passenger got out of the car, officers allegedly found brass knuckles and small sets of drills bits and drill accessories in the pockets of the 28-year-old, according to the report.
Both men were arrested and taken to the Police Station. Officers allegedly discovered a router and other tools in the car. In addition, officers learned that the 28-year-old was wanted on a warrant out of Town and Country, the report said.
The 30-year-old said the other man stole the merchandise without his knowledge, and the 28-year-old allegedly admitted to the stealing from Dickey Bub and a Lowe’s store in Fenton, the report said.
The 28-year-old was issued a summons to appear in Eureka Municipal Court for stealing and possession of brass knuckles, and he was held for Town and Country Police, Capt. David Wilson said.