An O’Fallon woman has been charged with a felony for allegedly stealing another person’s vehicle on September 6 in Cooper County.
According to a probable-cause statement, a man said after he picked up two persons who had requested a ride, he stopped at Eagle Stop to purchase a pack of cigarettes. He said he parked at pump No. 5 and exited the vehicle to go inside. The man said when he came back outside, he noticed his vehicle was gone. He advised authorities he did not give anyone permission to operate his vehicle.
By reviewing security footage, authorities reportedly observed the man park the vehicle at 4:55 p.m., with two other persons as passengers. As soon as the man exited the vehicle and began walking inside the business, the back passenger was seen jumping into the driver’s seat and driving the car away. The back passenger was observed to be a smaller white female with short dark hair.
At 11 p.m., the law-enforcement officer was contacted by the Columbia Police Department and advised it had located the reported stolen vehicle, where it ended in a vehicle pursuit. Columbia police said the driver of the vehicle was 24-year-old LaKrista LeAnn Bakert, who reportedly admitted taking the vehicle without permission.
Online court documents say a warrant has been issued, and Bakert has been charged with a Class D Felony for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree. Bond has been set at $7,500 cash or surety.
Bakert’s initial hearing is pending at Cooper County Circuit Court.