Three men charged, allegedly stole truck, gun, 18 catalytic converters from auto repair shop

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Three men were arrested and charged on Tuesday after a truck, a gun and 18 catalytic converters were apparently stolen from A to Z Auto Repair in Columbia.

Zachary Davidson, 32, of Columbia,  was charged with second-degree burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, stealing a catalytic converter, stealing a gun, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and first-degree property damage. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment was held Tuesday.

Derrick Moore, 23, of Harrisburg, was also charged with second-degree burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, stealing a catalytic converter, stealing a gun, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and first-degree property damage. He is being held without bond at the Boone County Jail and an arraignment was held Tuesday.

Donald Davidson, 62, of Boone County, was charged with drug possession and second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. He is being held at the Boone County Jail on a $20,000 bond. An initial arraignment was held Tuesday.  

According to three probable cause statements, A to Z Auto on Fay Street called law enforcement Tuesday morning, where employees allegedly stated two people broke in and stole a red 2011 Ford F-250 that belonged to a customer and 18 catalytic converters. A handgun was also allegedly stolen from the vehicle. The statement says the alleged break-in occurred early Monday.

A Boone County Sheriff’s deputy drove by a residence he knew where Zachary Davidson lived, the statement says. He did not see a vehicle in the driveway, but eventually drove back a few minutes later and saw the truck, according to the statement. The deputy wrote in the statement that he turned on his emergency lights and saw all three men between the truck and a Ford Focus that had its trunk open.

The documents states the deputy saw Moore place something in the Focus’ trunk as the deputy rounded the corner. The deputy saw several catalytic converters in the truck and car.

In an interview with law enforcement, Donald Davidson allegedly said he thought Zachary Davidson bought the truck – which was stated to be worth more than $25,000 – for $1,000.

Moore and Zachary Davidson allegedly had black overspray on their hands, which looked similar to spray paint found on the truck, according to the probable cause statement. The truck’s rims, grill, cab lights, door handles, hood decals and mirrors had been painted, and most of it was still wet, the statement says. Both men allegedly admitted to painting the truck.

Court documents say the truck’s tailgate, running boards and toolbox were removed, and the muffler and tail pipe were cut off. The statement claims it would cost more than $5,000 to fix.

Law enforcement found a pry bar -- that was allegedly used to open the steel door of the shop – in the toolbox that was taken from the truck, court documents say.

Later at the Boone County Jail, law enforcement allegedly found methamphetamine in Donald Davidson’s pocket, the statement says.

The statement also says the owner of A to Z was able to identify the truck and catalytic converters.