Deputies say a late-night burglary in Arnold turned into a quick crash and capture after a suspect allegedly slipped into a home while the residents slept, swiped car keys, then wrecked the vehicle minutes later. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Garret Flynn of De Soto and says he is now facing multiple felony charges, according to a post on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
How Investigators Say The Break-In Unfolded
In its account of the incident, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says Flynn entered a home in the 3200 block of Meadowfield Drive while the residents were in bed and stole several items, including the keys to the resident’s vehicle.
Investigators say he then took off in the vehicle and crashed it a few minutes later. According to deputies, Flynn also tried to force his way into a nearby home before he was taken into custody. The sheriff’s office says he has been charged with attempted burglary in the first degree, burglary in the first degree and stealing a motor vehicle.
Custody And Bail
Flynn is being held at the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro on a $100,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office. The county’s inmate roster and jail contact information are available online through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for anyone looking to check the status of in-custody individuals.
Where This Fits In Local Trends
The case lands in the middle of what local officials describe as a bump in property crime around Jefferson County. De Soto and other nearby communities have reported increases in burglaries and vehicle thefts in recent reporting, with De Soto police telling local reporters that theft offenses have been "an attention-grabber" amid staffing challenges.
Coverage of the county’s 2024 crime numbers, along with the sheriff’s take on countywide trends, has highlighted those upticks, according to the Jefferson County Leader.
Charges And Possible Penalties
Flynn’s charges carry potentially significant prison time under Missouri law. Burglary in the first degree is classified as a Class B felony in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 569.160. Stealing a motor vehicle is charged under Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 570.030, which can elevate a stealing offense to a felony depending on the circumstances.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident, including residents who may have relevant video footage, to contact its tip line or submit a tip online so investigators can follow up.
