Columbia, MO – In a recent incident highlighting the ongoing issue of catalytic converter theft, A to Z Auto Repair in Columbia became the target of thieves. Three Boone County men are now facing charges after police responded to a reported break-in and vehicle theft at the Fay Street automotive business.
The Incident at A-Z Auto Repair
On the morning of October 23rd, Columbia Police Department officers were dispatched to A-Z Auto Repair, located in the 800 block of Fay Street, following a call received at 8:43 a.m. Upon arrival, officers learned from employees that the business had been burglarized in the early hours of October 22nd. The perpetrators had made off with a customer’s red 2011 Ford F-250 and a significant haul of 18 catalytic converters, valuable components targeted for their precious metal content. Adding to the severity of the crime, a .40 caliber Beretta handgun was also reported stolen from inside the truck.
Swift Police Response and Arrests
The investigation moved quickly when, at 10:13 a.m. on the same day, officers spotted the stolen Ford F-250 in the driveway of 31-year-old Zachary Davidson’s Columbia residence. The vehicle, still bearing its original license plate, was the key to apprehending the suspects. As officers activated their emergency lights, they discovered Zachary Davidson, along with Donald Davidson, 63, also of Columbia, and Derrick Moore, 23, of Harrisburg, near the truck. The trio was positioned between the stolen F-250 and a gray Ford Focus, the trunk of which was open, revealing a cache of catalytic converters alongside those already in the truck bed.
Subsequent statements given after Miranda warnings indicated that Zachary Davidson was the individual who had stolen the truck from A-Z Auto Repair. Both Zachary Davidson and Derrick Moore were found to have black paint residue on their hands, consistent with attempts to alter the appearance of the stolen vehicle. Police noted that the truck’s rims, grill, cab lights, door handles, hood decals, and mirrors had been spray-painted black, with some areas still wet and taped off. Further modifications included the removal of the tailgate, running boards, and a toolbox, as well as the cutting off of the muffler and tailpipe. These removed parts were later located in a camper on the property. Crucially, the stolen Beretta handgun was also recovered from inside the truck cab.
Donald Davidson reportedly told officers he believed Zachary had purchased the truck, estimated to be worth well over $25,000, for a mere $1,000 – a detail that raised immediate suspicion. A bag containing prescription medication bearing Donald Davidson’s name was also found in the truck, near some of the stolen catalytic converters and two reciprocating saws. During processing at the Boone County Jail, a further discovery was made when officers found a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine in Donald Davidson’s pocket.
Charges Filed Against the Suspects
The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office has filed multiple felony charges against Zachary Davidson and Derrick Moore, including Second-Degree Burglary, Stealing a Motor Vehicle, Stealing Catalytic Converters, Stealing a Firearm, First-Degree Motor Vehicle Tampering, and First-Degree Property Damage. Donald Davidson faces a felony charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance and a misdemeanor charge of Second-Degree Motor Vehicle Tampering.
All three men were booked into the Boone County Jail. Zachary Davidson and Derrick Moore are being held without bond, while Donald Davidson’s bond was set at $20,000. Arraignments for all three were scheduled for October 24th, marking the beginning of the legal proceedings following this incident at A to Z Auto Repair in Columbia.
