The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 44-year-old Imperial man suspected of stealing items from a home in the 5800 block of Old Lemay Ferry Road in Imperial and then burning some of them in a fire pit near the home. The theft was discovered about 5:30 p.m. April 20, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
According to the report, one of the homeowners’ relatives found doors to the home pried open and removed. The relative also “observed a worn-down path through the woods” to the fire pit. Antique toys from the home were scattered along the path, and some of the toys were found burned in the fire pit, and others were returned to the victim, the report said.
Other items, including metal fencing and copper wires and pipes, were reported damaged or stolen in the incident. The items that were stolen or damaged were valued at $800, according to the report.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Grant Bissell said May 8 that the suspect was arrested and held for St. Louis County Police, who wanted him on outstanding warrants. The Sheriff’s Office will seek charges against the man through the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for burglary.