Sikeston man arrested for allegedly stealing brass propane valves

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Authorities have arrested a Sikeston man for allegedly stealing 6,500 valves from his employer, Santie Oil. According to Sgt. James McMillen of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Derrick L. Collins is charged through the New Madrid County prosecutor's office on suspicion of taking the brass propane valves that are routinely removed from old 20-pound tanks at the propane business. Tim Foust, manager of the business at 126 Larcel Drive, told police that on the morning of Dec. 29 he checked the storage bin and found it nearly empty when it should have been full. Foust said he then reviewed security video of the incident and reported it to police. The items stolen are valued at about $7,800, according to Foust. Collins faces felony theft charges and posted a bond of $2,500. Collins is awaiting arraignment.