Breaking News - August 6, 2008

Along North Library Street in Waterloo, Columbia Deputy Chief Jerry Paul, County Deputy Butch Ford, County Deputy Chief Dennis Schreder and EMA’s Casey Schreder discuss the events which transpired leading to the arrest of an alleged car thief.

Area Police Forces Unite To Make Arrest Of Car Thief

The person suspected of stealing a car in Columbia earlier today was arrested today on Moore Street in Waterloo. Earlier this afternoon a report was called in to the Columbia Police Dispatcher that a black Lexus had been stolen from the Red Roof Liquor and Lottery. The suspect was said to be a black male who was not wearing a shirt. The car was last seen traveling southbound on Route 3. Columbia police officers attempted to pursue, but the car continued south at a high rate of speed. Illinois State Police troopers, Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and Waterloo police officers were given an APB to be on alert for this vehicle.

Casey Schreder, a member of the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency office, spotted an abandoned Lexus matching the description parked in a driveway along N. Library Street near the Waterloo Park District Pool. Police officers verified this was the stolen vehicle and secured the area.

A truck driver then reported seeing a person matching the description of the alleged car thief walking on Moore Street next to the Gateway FS Elevator and the new city water tower. Police converged on the scene and an arrest was made by a county deputy. The individual was taken to the Monroe County Jail for booking. His name and additional details have not yet been released.