UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. — A University City teen was charged with multiple felonies after police said he admitted to stealing two cars on the same day last month.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell's Office charged 18-year-old Tyrese Marbley with two counts of stealing a motor vehicle and one count of unlawful possession of an illegal weapon after a Nov. 2 arrest.
The University City Police Department said the first theft happened at the Dollar General on Olive Road on Oct. 27. The release said the car was stolen while the owner was shopping at the store. The next happened later that day at the Costco down the road as the victim was pumping gas. Police say he had a machine gun on him when they arrested him.
Authorities said it illuminates a need for police to have a more visible presence.
University City police say the business boom is a good thing for the area, but it also means they now need to re-think things. Officers are already doing daily foot patrol in the Delmar Loop. Now they're adding a new area to the beat.
There are obvious signs of growth on Olive Boulevard. Among others, there’s the Costco, Panera, and a countdown for even more businesses on the way.
"We’re really excited for the Chik-fil-A and we just ate at Chipotle tonight,” said Samantha Kusnierkiewicz, who lives in the area.
"I think this change is really going to bring the new development. Hopefully, it goes all the way further down Olive into U City and we can clean up some of that area and hopefully revive it,” Bridgette Thayer said.
"Definitely good for the community, more tax dollars spent in U City,” Eric Kusnierkiewicz added.
Authorities realize growth can come with challenges.
"Any new development you’re going to have issues that concern crime,” Capt. Fredrick Lemons said.
Also last month, police say someone stole a minor stole a woman's purse at Costco. Two weeks later more crimes with cars at the same location. Now police are getting busy.
"We have a seven-day-a-week Olive Special Business District Development Patrol which means there's going to be an officer strictly in the area for our Olive Business District, conducting walk-throughs, conducting foot patrols, visiting the businesses,” Lemons explained.
While they do their part, they remind residents to do theirs.
"There are signs up in the area that tell let patrons know to to turn off your engine and take your keys with you. It only takes a second for someone who has ill intent to come and hop into the vehicle while you’re on the other side of the vehicle or to open the door and grab a purse,” he said.
An adult and a minor are also in custody regarding these crimes. Police say when you’re getting gas, take your keys with you and lock your doors.
Always be vigilant, especially in dark areas and don’t forget to keep your valuables out of sight.
The police department said Marbley admitted to being involved in the car thefts on Oct. 27. He told officers he stole the car at Dollar General. Later in the day, he said he was driving with a friend when they spotted the person pumping gas. He drove his friend over to the car so the friend could jump in and speed off.
Marbley's bond was set at $50,000, cash-only. All three of Marbley's charges are class-D felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
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