Wildwood Man Who Broke Into Cars Caught in Craigslist Sting, Police Say

A Wildwood man who is charged with stealing several items from cars was caught after one victim found his radar detector on Craigslist, police say.

Michael Antonio Perez, 18, of the 1300 block of Highway 109 (Old Eatherton Road), was charged Tuesday with first-degree burglary, misdemeanor stealing and felony stealing.

St. Louis County Police said Perez entered a garage in the 1500 block of Homestead Summit Drive between 10 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday while the homeowners were there. Police said he stole a money clip, cash and a power cord inside a car parked in the garage. The total value of the items is less than $500.

Police said Perez also broke into another car in the 17500 block of Garden Ridge Circle the same evening and stole an mp3 player, a men’s gold ring, radar detector, sunglasses and a power inverter. The items were valued at about $1,300.

The second victim discovered an ad on Craigslist for a radar detector, which he believed to be his. He made an appointment to meet with Perez. Police arrested Perez when he showed up to meet the victim.

St. Louis County police searched the residence where he was staying and found the rest of the stolen property.

Perez told police he remembers breaking into the first car, but took some pills and then blacked out.

Perez is being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $35,000.