Man charged in Columbia break-in has criminal history

A man charged in a large gun theft at a Columbia pawn shop has a history of burglarizing businesses in Jefferson City.

Alexander Mears was involved in burglaries at Las Palmas Taqueria on Ellis Boulevard and China Wok just down the road June 27, according to court documents. He allegedly had help from Dakota Blackburn and a probable cause statement says they broke in through a window. They reportedly made off with $75 and $3,000 respectively.

Three other businesses were broken into June 29. Court documents say the two pried open and cut a wall to get in at Mi Tolteca on Route C. There they allegedly made off with $4,000 in cash. The second burglary that day happened at Colton’s Steakhouse on Missouri Boulevard, court documents say, and they took $40.

The last incident happened at El Jimador on Edgewood Drive. Mears and Blackburn allegedly cut out a piece of the wall and ceiling in the sprinkler room and entered the business above the bar. Court documents say there was no evidence of anything being taken, but hundreds of dollars in damage was reported.

Mears is charged in connection with the theft of 66 guns from Tiger Pawn in Columbia earlier this month.

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