Seeking a Suspect in a Burglary

BATES COUNTY, Mo – On April 5, 2015 Bates County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a burglary in process on County Road 9003 in Adrian, MO. When Deputies arrived on the scene, they observed a black passenger car that was off the driveway and was stuck in water that was about 12 inches deep. They observed damage to the rear of the car.

The property owner advised that he had several items stolen from his residence three nights ago. The suspects had kicked in the door to his residence and had stolen tools, an oxygen bottle, tubing, tires and scrap metal. The property owner said that he had been doing surveillance on his property since the theft happened. He stated that a car pulled into his driveway and went up to his house. The property owner followed the car up his driveway. The car slammed on its brakes and caused the property owner to rear end the car. The car then sped off and got stuck in the ditch. The property owner advised the suspect then got out of the car and asked him to not call the police. He identified the suspect as Charles Anthony Moretine who is from the Dayton area. He advised the suspect that Deputies were already on their way. Moretine then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

During the Deputies investigation, they ran the license plate on the black car. It came back registered to a Charles Anthony Moretine. The Deputy then searched the vehicle with his K9. The K9 alerted to the center console of the vehicle. The Deputy located a small amount of marijuana and a glass pipe in the console. They also located syringes and a bottle that had residue that was consistent with methamphetamine in it. Inside the vehicle, there was also several spotting scopes and binoculars.

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office is currently trying to locate the suspect in this crime, who has been identified as Charles Anthony Moretine (DOB 7/28/1981). Moretine has short brown hair and blue eyes. He is 6 foot 2 inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has a tattoo of a cross on his left arm and a tattoo of praying hands on his right arm. If you know of his whereabouts, please contact a Detective at 660-679-3232.

Seeking a Suspect in a Burglary