A 38-year-old High Ridge man was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a home off Upper Byrnes Mill Road in Byrnes Mill. The burglary occurred around 1 p.m. Feb. 14, Byrnes Mill Police Chief Frank T. Selvaggio said.
He said the residents were not home during the burglary, which was reported at about 3 p.m.
The doors to the house were left unlocked, and the High Ridge man also allegedly went through an unlocked car outside the home, Selvaggio said.
He said the man allegedly stole a computer tablet, camera, DeWalt flashlight and keys to the home and car.
The suspect was arrested the next day on Gravois Road near Northwest Valley Middle School in House Springs, Selvaggio said.
He said police officers found the house and car keys in the suspect’s pocket when he was searched. However, none of the other stolen items were recovered.
Selvaggio said the suspect allegedly could be seen on surveillance footage during the burglary and then driving away in a silver Chrysler Pacifica. The next day, the victims’ son reportedly saw the suspect driving the car and flagged won a nearby Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy.
Then, Byrnes Mill Police arrested the suspect, and he was booked and released pending application for warrants. Selvaggio said Feb. 24 that the suspect had not been charged, but Byrnes Mill Police are seeking charges against him through the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for second-degree burglary and felony stealing.
Selvaggio said he always suggests locking the doors to your home and vehicles.