A 40-year-old St. Louis man has been arrested for reportedly stealing a van in Arnold. The suspect allegedly stole the van from a 73-year-old De Soto man who had arranged to sell it to him, authorities reported.
The suspect allegedly stole the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica on Feb. 5 and was arrested Feb. 8 after he was found in the van in St. Louis, Arnold Police reported.
At about 8:30 p.m. Feb. 5, the suspect and victim met in the parking lot outside the Bandana’s Bar-B-Q restaurant, 1220 Big Bill Road. The De Soto man allowed the St. Louis man to test drive the van, but he never returned to the restaurant to complete the transaction, the report said.
The van was found on Feb. 8 near the intersection of Cherokee Street and Oregon Avenue in St. Louis, and the St. Louis man was arrested by St. Louis Police. The van was returned to its owner, Arnold Police reported.
Arnold Police plan to seek charges against the St. Louis man, Cpt. Brett Ackermann said.
Ackermann said those selling items to strangers are encouraged to complete their transactions outside the Arnold Police Station, 2101 Jeffco Blvd.
“In the Police Department’s parking lot, we have video surveillance of the lot, and if they want an officer present, we can be available during the transaction,” Ackermann said.