Witness Prevents Man From Stealing Car After Purse, Keys Taken From Unlocked Vehicle

A witness prevented a man from stealing a car after the owner had her purse, keys, cell phone and other items stolen from it.

Milton L. Smith, 42, of the 5900 block of Page Avenue in Wellston, was charged Wednesday with receiving stolen property and attempted motor vehicle theft.

University City Police said a woman reported her purse was stolen from her unlocked 2008 Toyota Highlander parked in the garage of her apartment building at about 6 p.m. April 29. The purse contained her keys, several credit cards and a BlackBerry cell phone.

Police said a witness later saw Smith get into the Highlander and start it. The witness confronted Smith, who fled on foot.

Smith later was arrested on the Washington University campus and police found he had the victim’s BlackBerry, according to a court document.

Police said Smith told them a friend gave him the purse and told him to check out the victim’s residence. He told police he started the Highland in attempt to identify or locate the owner, according to a police report.

Smith led police to a nearby garage where the victim’s credit cards were stashed and to a dumpster where he threw away the purse. The dumpster had been emptied, but some personal papers belonging to the victim still were inside.

Smith is being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $20,000.

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

• Man Charged in Knifepoint Robbery Near the Loop
• Police: Car Stolen in University City Leads Police on Dangerous Chase
• Update: Details Emerge on Police Chase Into University City