Crime & Safety

Man Attempts to Use Stolen Credit Card at Wal-Mart

St. Charles man charged with stealing credit card.

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 in Wentzville using the stolen cards on June 4.

Joseph J. Hurst, of 747 Cunningham in St. Charles, is charged with 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 , 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 Wal-Mart in . 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.

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He tried again with a different debit card and it was again denied, according to the probable cause statement.

Hurst then went out side, and used the Redbox to verify the cards were working, went back inside the Wal-Mart and tried to buy a prepaid cell phone, but was denied. He bought a bottle of milk and two snack cakes, then left the store and entered an unlocked Honda Accord parked outside.

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He stole a bank check book, a $5 bill and a bottle of Eternity cologne. 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 Wal-Mart employee then called the police.

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 Wal-Mart.

An initial arraignment was held Monday. Hurst's next court date has not yet been scheduled, according to court documents.

His bond was set at $15,000, cash only.


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