Authorities in St. Louis arrested a 65-year-old man last week in connection with the damage and theft of components from 77 fire hydrants across the city. The incident, which police say created a significant public safety risk, led to the arrest of Harry Farmer on Thursday after a local recycling facility provided key information.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department initiated an investigation after the widespread damage was discovered over the past week. Chief Robert Tracy of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department stated that a citizen came forward, which led investigators to surveillance video. This video allegedly showed an individual sawing off brass valves from the hydrants. Police were able to identify Farmer through this evidence.
SA Recycling, a facility located off Broadway, played a crucial role in the investigation. Police said Farmer allegedly went to the recycling facility to sell the stolen brass valves. Phillip Harbison, the general manager at SA Recycling, confirmed the facility's extensive surveillance system. He explained that cameras capture individuals from the moment they enter the lot, and the facility records pictures of IDs, license plates, and the materials brought in for every transaction. This comprehensive record-keeping allowed SA Recycling to provide police with a picture of Farmer's ID and other information.
Harbison emphasized the facility's commitment to community safety and its stance against theft. He stated his dislike for thieves, especially those who endanger the community. “So it’s very important to me to get them off the street, and especially when they’re doing things that can harm our community,” Harbison said. He added that SA Recycling actively cooperates with law enforcement to combat the negative perception sometimes associated with scrap yards.
Chief Tracy highlighted the severe consequences of such vandalism. “Damaging fire hydrants creates a major public safety risk,” Tracy said, explaining that firefighters rely on working hydrants to protect lives and property. Interfering with this access, he noted, jeopardizes residents, businesses, and first responders.
Chief Dennis Jenkerson of the St. Louis Fire Department echoed the severity of the situation. He remarked on the unprecedented nature of the damage, stating that in his 19 years as Fire Chief and 48 years with the department, he had “never, ever seen anything like this” or such intentional vandalism of hydrants anywhere he had traveled.
Farmer has been charged with eight felonies in connection with the incidents. As of Friday evening, Farmer remained in custody, with authorities working to extradite him back to Missouri from Illinois. The investigation is still ongoing. Police are asking anyone with additional information about the damaged hydrants to contact District 4 detectives at 314-444-2500.
