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Nov. 01--CLAYTON -- A volunteer Kinloch firefighter has been arrested for stealing a light bar from the Bella Villa police department.
Timothy Williams, 36, of the 1900 block of Telford has been charged with second-degree burglary and theft after stealing a light bar worth $1,895 sometime between Oct. 15 and 27, according to court documents.
Williams has volunteered with the Kinloch Fire District on and off, but had most recently volunteered steadily for the past four years. He was suspended in early October for personnel reasons, said Richard Parks, administrative assistant to the district.
"He had been indefinitely suspended and I was to reevaluate him at the beginning of 2012," Parks said. "I
think we've come to a decision now. You can't wipe this away."
When confronted, Williams told Bella Villa police that he stole the light bar, said Det. Jim Qualls.
He wore a hood during the burglary to hide his face from cameras inside the department, Qualls said.
"I'm shocked that he had the nerve to enter into a police department, and if he has the nerve to do that, that's definitely an area of concern," Qualls said.
Volunteer firefighters often equip their own vehicles with emergency lights. Qualls said Williams did not offer a motive for his crime during the confession.
Williams' bail has been set at $7,500.
