ST. LOUIS – A man who received a suspended sentence just weeks ago for stealing is back in jail; this time, for armed carjacking.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s probable cause statement, the carjacking took place April 24 in the 3400 block of Klocke Street, located in the Dutchtown neighborhood.
Police said the victim was in the parking lot behind their residence when Juan O. Barnes Jr., 34, walked up, pointed a gun at the victim, and demanded their car keys. The victim complied and Barnes drove away in the victim’s vehicle.
Barnes was taken into custody approximately four hours later with the victim’s car keys in his possession, police said.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Barnes with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. No bond is allowed for this case.
Earlier this month, Barnes pleaded guilty in St. Louis Circuit Court to stealing – $750 or more and received a sentence of three years of probation. But due to this new arrest, he’s being held without bond for parole violation. Police said Barnes has a lengthy criminal history with prior convictions.