Local man admits to thefts from vehicles

A Dexter man is in custody, having admitted to at least 10 separate thefts from parked vehicles on the west side of Dexter.

According to Dexter Police Det. Cory Mills, the department received a call Tuesday, Aug. 26 regarding the theft of a black suitcase and several tools from a vehicle that had been parked at the Dexter Inn at 1807 W. Business 60. While on the scene, police found that a 2015 Freightliner truck had sustained damage to the driver's door that was consistent with someone having tried to pry the door open. The owner of the truck reported the electrical system had been damaged as well.

As police were investigating the damage, a woman on Brenda Lane, which is in close proximity to the hotel, reported that her vehicle had been entered, although nothing appeared to be missing. As a result, Cpl. John Moore of the department began to canvas the area and located a blue, 2000 Buick LeSabre parked in the rear of an apartment at 1901 N. Lewis Street with all the vehicle's doors open. In plain view were tool boxes, plastic tarps, a black suitcase, and a cooler. Gas containers were on the ground next to the vehicle.

A woman at the apartment told Moore that the car belonged to her boyfriend, Daniel Hare, who was asleep inside. A short time later, Hare exited the apartment. Hare told the officer that the vehicle was his and admitted to haven stolen the items from vehicles parked at the Dexter Inn.

Hare was placed in custody and transported to the police station.

A large black tarp and two containers of kitty litter located near Hare's car were found to have been stolen form a parked tractor trailer rig at 1010 State Highway AD, the 60 Travel Center.

In custody, Hare waived his rights and told police he stole the items from 10 unlocked vehicles in the area of Dexter Inn and Brenda Lane, and said he had planned to sell the items for cash.

Hare was transported to the Stoddard County Jail, where he remains under a $50,000 bond.