3 charged in what police say was looting of tornado-damaged market

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Three people are charged with felony burglary in what St. Louis Metropolitan Police say was a looting incident at a market damaged by the May 16 tornado.

Following the incident, police issued a warning that looting in storm-damaged areas of the city would not be tolerated.

“We tried to warn you, looting will not be tolerated,” police said. “Last night, SLMPD officers arrested 3 adults and one juvenile who were caught looting Desta’s Market. SLMPD will continue to be out in full force protecting the residents and businesses of the tornado-impacted area.”

St. Louis prosecutors charged Larry Eugene Moore, 44, Latoya Booker, 41, and Akeem Peters, 34, all of St. Louis, on Sunday with counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree property damage and stealing over $750.

All three are held without bond pending an initial court appearance. Details of the juvenile’s arrest are not a matter of public record under Missouri law.

Police said officers responded to Desta’s Market at 2503 Taylor Avenue in response to a report of a burglary in the building, which had been damaged by the tornado. The caller told police that people were taking items and loading them in cars outside.

Officers arrived and found the front metal door damaged as if it had been forced open, according to police. The three suspects charged Sunday were located inside the store and placed under arrest.

The suspects were found to have taken several two-liter drink bottles and 48 alcoholic beverages, according to police. One of the suspects allegedly told police they were invited to in a plan to burglarize the building and take alcohol.

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