(Information in this report is gathered from police agencies, county courts and emergency radio dispatch. The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and charges may sometimes be dropped or changed as part of the legal process.)

Columbia Police

March 11

Robert L. Harris, 58, of Cahokia, was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant on Route 3 at South Main Street. 

March 15

Daniel B. Repp, 19, of Columbia, was cited for possession of a fraudulent driver’s license and expired registration on Bottom Avenue at Goodhaven Drive.

March 16

Patrick G. Mallon, 33, of St. Louis, was arrested shortly after 1:30 a.m. for DUI, speeding, no insurance and failure to signal on I-255 southbound.

Police and EMS assisted the Columbia Fire Department in responding shortly after 10:20 a.m. to a dryer on fire inside BRIA of Columbia, 253 Bradington Drive. A responding police officer advised the fire was out prior to fire department arrival, but there was smoke inside the building. Firefighters worked to ventilate smoke and perform clean-up tasks on scene. No injuries were reported in the incident.

March 17

Jacob N. Cooling, 19, of Waterloo, was arrested shortly before 1 a.m. for DUI, unlawful possession of alcohol, speeding, disregarding a traffic control device and no insurance on Route 3 at Mark Drive.

Monroe County Sheriff

March 2

Lucas M. Hoffman, 37, of Waterloo, was charged with felony driving while license suspended/revoked (fourth offense).

Smithton Police

March 18

Ronald Spaeth, 60, of Hillsboro, was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, vehicle theft conspiracy and theft in connection with the Dec. 16, 2022 theft of a New Holland tractor from Wilson Landscaping.  The stolen tractor was recovered in Hillsboro on March 1. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department were among several agencies to assist in this case. 

Waterloo Police 

March 7

Renee A. Laurent, 62, of Fults, was arrested shortly after 6:20 p.m. for DUI on North Main Street at Columbia Avenue. 

March 15

John D. Howell, 54, of East Alton, was arrested shortly before 1:15 a.m. for possession of cannabis (driver), no insurance and suspended registration on Route 3 at Rose Lane. 

Police briefly pursued a gray pickup truck with Missouri plates on I-255 westbound at about 9:20 a.m. The truck last seen in the area of Koch Road after a Columbia officer terminated pursuit due to high speeds at the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. Per an Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network alert, the truck was wanted on alleged theft and aggravated fleeing charges. Police said the vehicle stole gasoline from Huck’s at 884 Route 3 in Waterloo.  

March 19

Stone H. Whetzel, 18, of Prairie du Rocher, was charged with criminal damage to property following an incident at 312 S. Main Street.