Park Hills man arrested on felony charges in fuel theft investigation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PARK HILLS, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri State Highway Patrol announced the arrest of a Park Hills man on multiple felony charges following a theft investigation involving stolen fuel.
The patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control said Donald Barry McKinney, 50, was arrested Jan. 8 in connection with an investigation into the theft of dyed diesel fuel from locomotives in the St. Louis area. McKinney was charged with receiving stolen property, tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, and resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony.
Investigators said they learned in December 2025 that McKinney, who was employed in the railroad industry, was suspected of stealing dyed diesel fuel from locomotives. Surveillance conducted by investigators corroborated McKinney’s movements with confirmed fuel thefts from locomotives in Sauget, Illinois. The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Terminal Railroad Police Department of St. Louis.
On Jan. 8, investigators contacted McKinney in the Leadwood area to question him about the thefts. Authorities said McKinney resisted arrest and destroyed potential evidence during the encounter. He was taken into custody and transported to the St. Francois County Jail.
The St. Francois County prosecuting attorney formally charged McKinney with receiving stolen property, a Class D felony; tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, a Class E felony; and resisting arrest for a felony, a Class E felony. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the theft or sale of fuel involving McKinney is asked to contact Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Andrew L. Woods with the Division of Drug and Crime Control at 636-300-2800.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and McKinney is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
