Crime & Safety

Man Charged with Stealing Car, Gas, Credit Cards

Police say Joseph J. Hurst of St. Charles tried to buy almost $1,000 in goods from Walmart with stolen debit cards.

A 25-year-old St. Charles man faces felony charges after police said he stole a car, gas and several credit cards then tried to buy almost $1,000 in goods from Walmart in Wentzville using the stolen cards on June 4.

Joseph J. Hurst, of 747 Cunningham in St. Charles, was charged one count of tampering with a motor vehicle and two counts of stealing a credit card.

According to a probable cause statement signed by Patrolment Kyle Bruns of the Wentzville Police Department, Hurst took a Dodge Caravan from the McDonald’s parking lot in Foristell, MO, stole fuel from Mr. Fuel in Foristell then drove to the Walmart in Wentzville. Hunt tried to purchase multiple items including a computer and an Xbox using a debit card he found in the car, but his transaction was denied. He tried again with a different debit card and it was again denied, according to the probable cause statement.

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Hurst then went outside, and used a Redbox dvd rental service to verify the cards were working, went back inside the Walmart and tried to buy a prepaid cell phone, but was denied. He bought a bottle of chocolate milk and two snack cakes, then left the store and entered an unlocked Honda Accord parked outside. He stole a bank check book, a $5 bill and a bottle of Eternity cologne, according to the probable cause statement.

Hurst then went back inside and attempted to purchase a drill and hammer but was told by a cashier that they would not sell him the items. A Walmart employee then called police.

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The total value of denied transactions was $952.92, according to the probable cause statement. Police found Hunt who admitted to stealing the vehicle, using the debit cards and taking a screwdriver from Walmart.

Hurst's bond was set at $15,000, cash only.


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