Officers Stake Out, Catch Maplewood AC Thief, Police Say

Maplewood Police keeping watch on a home due to recent thefts spotted a man backing a truck into a driveway Monday in the 7700 block of Weaver Avenue, a home owned by the Metropolitan Sewer District.

The man spotted police as they moved in and drove away at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and traffic signs and going up on a curb. The man was arrested several days later, police said.

Carlos Lusk, 35, of the 1500 block of Bradford Avenue in Pagedale, was charged Thursday with felony stealing, attempted felony stealing and resisting arrest.

Maplewood Police said Lusk stole an air conditioner from the home in the 7700 block of Weaver on Jan. 30.

Police said the lines on an air conditioner were cut Monday and Lusk returned with a truck to pick up the unit.

Maplewood Police said Lusk confessed to stealing and selling the air conditioner for scrap Jan. 30, and said he came to steal the air conditioner on Monday. Four homes in the area were bought by MSD due to chronic flooding.

Lusk was being held Friday in St. Louis County jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

For more crime information on Maplewood Patch, see the following articles:

• Maplewood Police: Air Conditioner Thief Arrested