An Edgar Springs man is charged with theft from a local business, Houston police said.
Officers charged Austin E. Strom, 17, of Edgar Springs, with stealing under $500 (shoplifting) Feb. 16 at Orscheln Farm and Home. Store employees observed Strom walk out with a pair of $100 brown Caterpillar boots on, according to a report.
He was spotted a second time in the store. When confronted, Strom kicked off another pair of work boots and fled. The suspect was later found in a probation and parole office. According to the report, Strom said he needed boots for work.
In other matters, police:
-Arrested Megan L. Neal, 26, of 306 Broadway, on Feb. 23 on a Phelps County warrant charging her with theft/stealing. She was taken to the Texas County Jail to await extradition to Rolla. She was required to appear before a judge – so no bond was set.
-Were called to Jay’s Automotive on South U.S. 63 on Feb. 24 after eight catalytic converters and four transmissions located behind the business were taken. The total loss was estimated at $900.
-Charged Zachary W. Holt, 22, of Licking, with failing to exhibit an insurance identification card, failed to register a motor vehicle with the Missouri Department of Revenue (displayed plates of another) and operated a motor vehicle while license was revoked. Holt was involved in a Feb. 25 accident that occurred when his vehicle left Grand Avenue and struck a sign and a concrete and stone culvert. Holt said a burning cigarette ember fell into his lap causing him to take his eyes off the road.
-Investigated a Feb. 26 accident that police said occurred when a vehicle driven by Gayle E. Roe, 55, of West Plains, struck a parked a car owned by James and Tina Ayers of Houston. Police said Roe was pulling into a parked space.
-Two TCMH employees were physically assaulted Friday night by a man who had been taken to the hospital’s emergency room. He later received a 96-hour mental commitment for assessment.