Crime & Safety

Man Stole From 10 Stores to Support Heroin Addiction, Police Say

O'Fallon Police and security helped capture William T. Huggins, who is accused of shoplifting at Kohl's. Officers also found stolen items from other stores in his car.

Security personnel at the O’Fallon Kohl’s store and police helped capture a man officials said had been stealing from about 10 stores in St. Charles and St. Louis counties to support a heroin addiction.

Timothy Huggins, 30, of Warrenton, was charged July 12 with misdemeanor theft, driving while revoked and use of drug paraphernalia.

O’Fallon Police said Kohl’s loss prevention personnel confronted Huggins outside the store July 11 after he shoved athletic shorts in a large bag and tried to leave the store at 2110 Highway K.

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Huggins ran to his vehicle and bent the license plate to conceal the license number and drove off. Security personnel gave police a partial license plate number and a description of the white Ford Taurus.

O’Fallon Police stopped Huggins within two minutes and recovered the merchandise from Kohl’s and a blond wig he had been wearing. Officers also found merchandise stolen from Chesterfield Mall and the Lake Saint Louis Walmart.

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Officers also found a straight razor and Bic pens that were taken apart and had a white, powdery substance on both ends.

Police said Huggins told them he steals to support his heroin addiction.

Huggins is being held in St. Charles County jail. Bail was set at $25,000.


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