Man Drove Stolen Car to Heist Purse at Sunset Hills Gas Station, Police Say

A man who stole a woman’s purse from her car as she pumped gasoline at a Sunset Hills gas station faces criminal charges.

Tarbis L. Ward, 23, of the 4400 block of Labadie Avenue in St. Louis, was charged Friday with felony stealing and tampering with a motor vehicle.

Sunset Hills Police said Ward was seen on video surveillance driving into the Circle K service station and stealing a woman’s purse and other items from her car. The items, including an iPhone, purse, tote bag and Vera Bradley lunch bag, were valued at $630.

The car he was driving had been reported stolen, police said.

A few hours later, Ward was arrested in the city of St. Louis for driving a stolen car. Police said he was wearing the same clothes as those he was wearing in the video.

Ward posted a $15,000 bond and was released from St. Louis County jail Sunday.