One Man in Custody after Theft of Bobcat Loader in Moniteau Co

A 38-year old man is in custody in connection to a stolen S160 Bobcat skid steer loader in Moniteau County and more arrests are expected.

A press release from the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department indicates that on February 20, deputies were dispatched to Cedar Road in McGirk, MO for the reported theft of the Bobcat loader.

The owners said that someone had entered the property and stolen the machinery from a building overnight.

Investigation revealed the suspects had driven to the back of the building, loading the Bobcat onto a trailer and left the area driving down Rocky Road. Deputies tracked the vehicle down several roads to a shed in Kliever, MO. Deputies served a search warrant at the property but did not locate the Bobcat. However, authorities did seize electronic video evidence from the location.

The shed was discovered to be owned by 38-year old Justin T. Moore, of Kliever, MO.

Deputies began searching the area for Moore. Later that afternoon, the Missouri State Highway Patrol notified Moniteau deputies that Moore was in Cole County.

Moore then reportedly led the highway patrol on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a foot chase. Moore was eventually taken into custody in Cole County. It was also discovered that he was currently out on bond from Moniteau County for a previous drug charge.

Moore was asked to submit to a urinalysis but reportedly refused the test. Then on February 22, he was transported from Cole County to the Moniteau County Jail.

Deputies continued to gather evidence related to the theft of the Bobcat, along with the video evidence. Then on March 6, Moore, while still in custody, was charged with 2nd Degree Stealing a Motor Vehicle.

The Moniteau County Sheriff's Department says investigation has identified further suspect and more arrests are expected. At this time, the Bobcat loader is still missing.

The Bobcat is described as model S160, orange and white in color. The VIN number has been entered into the system as stolen. If anyone has information on the incident, contact the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department at 573-796-2525.