EUREKA, MO – A weekend crime spree that began with a bank robbery in Eureka has come to an end with the arrest of 57-year-old Jon Barry. Authorities have not only charged Barry with the robbery but have also linked him to another break-in at a jewelry store in Ellisville. The swift resolution of these crimes can be attributed to the diligent efforts of the St. Louis Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center and the Eureka Police Department.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect, whose identity was initially masked with glasses and a face covering, as he entered the Eureka Commerce Bank. The video shows Barry leaving the bank with $2,000 in cash. Meanwhile, doorbell camera footage from a nearby neighborhood helped police track his movements as he fled in a white pickup truck.
Barry attempted to cover his tracks by removing the vehicle’s license plates, but his efforts were thwarted by Eureka’s license plate reading cameras. A detective at the Real-Time Crime Center in St. Louis identified Barry’s truck before the plates were removed, leading to the suspect’s identification and eventual arrest.
Further investigation revealed that Barry was also involved in a burglary at Robert Hunn Jewelers in Ellisville. The break-in was cut short by a burglar alarm, which chased Barry away within minutes. Items stolen during this burglary were later found at Barry’s residence, solidifying the case against him.
The St. Louis detective’s quick thinking and the use of advanced technology played a crucial role in solving these crimes. This collaborative effort between multiple police agencies ensured Barry was apprehended and the stolen property was recovered swiftly.
Barry, who was on parole for previous burglary charges in Ellisville, now faces a series of new charges. The police departments involved have praised the teamwork and rapid response that led to Barry’s arrest, emphasizing the importance of such cooperation in solving crimes efficiently.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing repeat offenses by individuals with a history of criminal activity. It also underscores the effectiveness of modern surveillance technologies and inter-agency collaboration in maintaining public safety.