Crime & Safety
Illinois Man Charged After Over 40 St. Louis Fire Hydrants Damaged
St. Louis, MO – An Illinois man has been arrested in connection with damaged fire hydrants across St. Louis, where police say at least 43 instances have been documented and the investigation remains o
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-01T21:58:00.147Z
St. Louis, MO – An Illinois man has been arrested in connection with damaged fire hydrants across St. Louis, where police say at least 43 instances have been documented and the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department , officers working with the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Harry Farmer, 64, of Illinois, shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
Police said the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office issued four counts of stealing $750 or more and four counts of first degree property damage. Farmer faces eight felony charges in total in connection with the investigation.
SLMPD said it has documented 43 instances of damaged fire hydrants. The St. Louis Fire Department has reported additional damage, and detectives are still working to determine the full extent of the incidents.
Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, according to police.
Authorities said the damaged hydrants have created a significant public safety concern because they could interfere with firefighters’ ability to protect people and property during an emergency.
SLMPD credited the Circuit Attorney’s Office, St. Louis Fire Department, City Water Division, U.S. Marshals Service and Granite City Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 314 444 2500 and request a District 4 detective. Police said anyone who witnesses someone allegedly tampering with a fire hydrant should call 911 immediately.
The charges are allegations, and Farmer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.