Prosecutors charge man in connection with burglary and car thefts in Cole County

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ.)

On Thursday, a Cole County prosecutor charged a man in connection with a burglary and car thefts. 

David Patton, of Jefferson City, is charged with second-degree burglary and first-degree tampering with a vehicle.

Three other people were also reportedly involved in the burglary. At last check, no other charges have been filed.

On Wednesday morning, Cole County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 9-1-1 hang-up call to investigate a burglary and car theft on the 10000 block of Old Highway 54.

Shortly after, deputies took another call about a burglary at a business not too far away from the first incident, near the 5000 block of Monticello Road.

When deputies arrived on the scene at the business near Monticello, two employees said their cars had been broken into and several items had been stolen. The owner of the business also stated he received an alert on his phone that there was a $400 charge on his credit card used at a convenience store on Ellis Boulevard in Jefferson City.

The employee alleges Patton stole the credit card from his work van inside the shop. Reports show there was no forced entry into the shop and Patton already knew the keypad entry because he was a former employee.

It was this statement that led police to Madison Street where Patton lives. 

When police arrived they discovered the stolen vehicle along with Patton and three other people who were also arrested. 

Once inside Patton's home deputies say they also recovered $ 10 thousand worth of tools from a second burglary case back at the start of the month. 

A 3-year-old was also located at the scene and was taken into custody and turned over to the care of the Missouri Division of Family Services.