A 2022 Alfa Romeo SUV reported stolen the evening of Jan. 11 off a car transport vehicle parked at a Pevely gas station-convenience store was found the next morning.
Authorities were seeking a suspect in the case as of Jan. 14, Pevely Police Chief Jamie Mayberry said.
He said police responded about 6 p.m. on the day of the incident to a call on the car theft from a tractor-trailer car hauler parked behind Mr. Fuel Travel Center, 8915 Weier Road.
“The suspect drove from the rear of the Mr. Fuel, through the grass of the industrial park, then fled in an unknown direction,” he said.
He said the tractor-trailer driver was not with the vehicle and presumably inside the convenience store.
He said the SUV was recovered about 6 a.m. Jan. 12 in Poplar Bluff by that city’s police.
Mayberry said the Alfa Romeo SUV, valued at between $60,000 and $80,000, was being transported to Napleton Mid Rivers Maserati in St. Peters when it was taken.
He said the videotape appears to show one suspect committed the theft.
“We reviewed the camera footage. Unfortunately, the way the tractor-trailer was backed in, you can’t see anything back that far,” Mayberry said. “He did not cut the straps. He took the time to undo the straps, then drove the car off the car hauler. At this time, we believe it’s only one suspect.”
He said Poplar Bluff Police recovered the Alfa Romeo SUV, and Pevely Police requested it to be towed to a Jefferson County tow yard, where it remains.
“Our detectives processed the vehicle,” he said. “We have collected fingerprint evidence and possible DNA evidence, and we’re working along with Poplar Bluff.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pevely Police at 636-475-5301.