Probable cause: Joplin man stole scooter, used it as getaway vehicle in shoplifting case

First-degree tampering and stealing charges were filed against a Joplin man in Jasper County Circuit Court today in connection with the September 2 theft of a scooter from an apartment complex.

According to the probable cause statement, Zachary Lyle Simonds (DOB 1984) the scooter was parked and chained in front of the owner's apartment.

Video obtained from the apartment complex shows a white male walking up to the doors of the apartment before going to the scooter, cutting the security chain and pushing the scooter off the property.

Simonds was identified from the photo, as well as from photos taken the next day of Simonds using the scooter as a getaway vehicle in a shoplifting case, according to the probable cause statement.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.