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On August 27, at approximately 9:46 AM., deputies were dispatched to the 900 block of West Springfield Road outside of St. Clair. The reporting party stated there was a dark blue vehicle parked in the back of the storage units. The caller advised there were two men near the vehicle and described one of them to be a white male covered in tattoos. The subjects were walking around the storage sheds.
Upon arrival deputies determined that some of the locks securing the area had been cut. According to one shed owner who arrived on the scene items were missing. A dispatch was given of the suspects and vehicle to area law enforcement.
At approximately 1:57 PM., that afternoon investigators were advised that a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper had stopped a vehicle on Silo drive that matched the description of the vehicle. Deputies responded to the area of the traffic stop. Deputies were familiar with one of the individuals in the vehicle from prior contacts. The trooper making the stop had also noticed items in the vehicle they suspected may have been stolen.
During questioning one of the subjects admitted to stealing items. He also gave a location of a shed in Star Circle Mobile Home Park located on Hwy BB West of Union that contained stolen property.
Approximately three pickup truck loads of items such as tires, ammunition, jewelry, tools, televisions, appliances, records, knives, and other items were recovered from the shed. At this point in the investigation it is believed that all of the items were stolen from storage facilities from Iron, Franklin, and Gasconade Counties.
Franklin County Deputies have contacted Ironton Police, Iron County Sheriff, Union Police, Sullivan Police, who are assisting in further investigation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted the initial traffic stop.
A white male, age 23 and white male, age 27, both from the Union area were taken in to custody for investigation of burglary and stealing. Both subjects have a past history with law enforcement. Names will be released as soon as warrants are issued.
Deputies are currently attempting to verify the locations of the thefts and property owners. Citizens can call the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 636-583-2560 during business hours and ask for Detective Jim Briggs if they feel they may have been a victim. People often do not check their storage facilities. There may be thefts that have not been reported. If you discover that you have had a theft from your shed you should contact your local law enforcement to file a report and also Det. Briggs and request to view the items.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the alert citizen who observed suspicious activity and did the right thing.
