08/31/2026
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release
8-31-26
On 8-27-2026, deputies were dispatched to the area of River Otter Way outside of St. Clair, MO, in reference to several river cabins being burglarized. During their investigation, deputies were able to identify Jacob Lashley as a suspect. The Sheriff's Office and deputies were familiar with Mr. Lashley and had been looking for him for several months due to his active warrants and him being wanted for questioning in other incidents. Deputies were told Mr. Lashley was on a blue inflatable kayak and that he was last seen floating past the Meramec River Bridge off Mill Hill Road.
At approximately 18:30 hours, deputies spotted Mr. Lashley on a sand bar in the middle of the Meramec River approximately 300 yards upstream from their location. One of the victims gave two of the deputies a ride in his jet boat to the sand bar. While searching the sand bar, Mr. Lashley attempted to elude law enforcement by swimming across the river. The deputies gave chase, entering the river, and were able to apprehend Mr. Lashley in the river without incident. Jacob S. Lashley, a 35-year-old male from Catawissa was arrested on outstanding warrants and additional charges were applied for with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. A warrant was issued by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office charging Mr. Lashley with 3 counts of burglary, 1 count of resisting arrest, and 1 count of possession of an illegal weapon. His bond was set at $50,000.00 cash only . All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Steven M. Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff
