St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers have arrested 65-year-old Harry Farmer in connection with the vandalism and theft of components from 77 fire hydrants across the City of St. Louis. The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, follows an investigation aided significantly by a local recycling facility.
Police Chief Robert Tracy with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department highlighted the severity of the crime, stating that "Damaging fire hydrants creates a major public safety risk." He added that firefighters rely on working hydrants to protect lives and property, emphasizing that any interference endangers residents, businesses, and first responders. St. Louis Fire Department Chief Dennis Jenkerson echoed this concern, remarking that in his 48 years with the fire department and 19 years as Chief, he has "never, ever seen anything like this."
Farmer was identified after surveillance video allegedly caught him sawing off brass valves from the hydrants. Authorities said Farmer then went to SA Recycling, located off Broadway, to sell the stolen brass valves. Phillip Harbison, general manager at SA Recycling, confirmed his facility’s cooperation with law enforcement. Harbison stated that SA Recycling maintains extensive records, including surveillance footage from the moment vehicles enter the lot, pictures of IDs, license plates, and images of the materials brought in for sale. These records are stored in a database for every transaction.
Harbison expressed his commitment to assisting police, citing a personal dislike for thieves and a desire to ensure criminals face justice, especially when their actions threaten the community. He also noted that his facility's rigorous record-keeping helps counter negative perceptions sometimes associated with scrap yards. When police approached SA Recycling for information regarding the damaged hydrants, Harbison indicated that his team was happy to provide the necessary details.
Farmer has been charged with eight felonies. As of Friday evening, he remains in custody and is awaiting extradition back to Missouri from Illinois. The investigation into the damaged fire hydrants is ongoing. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with additional information to contact District 4 detectives at 314-444-2500. Harbison, speaking for recycling facilities like his, issued a clear warning to potential thieves: "I will not buy it; don’t bring it to SA Recycling. SA Recycling does not want stolen scrap."
