ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man and woman are accused of breaking into a Dutchtown business last week and stealing the owner’s car.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s probable cause statements, the break-in and car theft took place on February 7 in the 4500 block of Gustine Avenue.

Police claim Catrena Thomas, 34, and Charles Clemons Jr., 40, illegally entered the business and stole the store owner’s cellphone and car keys. The duo left the business and drove off in the owner’s 2019 Nissan Versa.

The following day, police spotted the Versa and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Police claim the driver, Thomas, sped off and drove recklessly to evade authorities.

The vehicle eventually became inoperable and both Thomas and Clemons tried running away on foot. Police apprehended the both of them.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Thomas and Clemons with second-degree burglary, stealing, stealing a motor vehicle, second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. A judge remanded the duo to remain in custody without bond.

Prosecutors said Thomas and Clemons each have two prior stealing convictions in the last decade.