ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Two St. Louis County men are accused of stealing a dump trailer worth $4,000 in Des Peres last summer.

According to the Des Peres Police Department’s probable cause statement, the theft occurred between May 7 and May 8, 2023, along Belle Meade Road.

A witness told police that a diesel truck towed the dump trailer away from the area.

An officer spotted the truck later at Ballas and Manchester roads and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was not towing the dump trailer at the time.

Police claim Benjamin Berner was driving the truck, and Gavin Barton was a passenger in the vehicle. Police allege the stolen dump trailer was located outside Berner’s home.

Barton was later interviewed while in custody in Jefferson County. Investigators searched Barton’s phone and claimed the phone was near the scene of the crime.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged both Berner and Barton with one count of stealing—$750 or more. Berner and Barton were each issued a summons to appear in court on May 16.