June 11th, 2026 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary, theft, and arson investigation in the Cadet area.
According to authorities, deputies were dispatched on June 3, 2026, to investigate a reported burglary and fire. Upon arrival, investigators reviewed video footage that allegedly showed two male suspects forcibly entering a residence and stealing firearms along with other property.
Authorities say the suspects then took a trailer from the property and attached it to a Jeep that was also located at the residence. Investigators allege the pair then stole a four-wheeler, loaded it onto the trailer, and prepared to leave the scene.
Before fleeing, the suspects allegedly set fire to the residence and a nearby shed, causing damage to both structures. The suspects then left the area in the stolen Jeep while towing the trailer and transporting the stolen four-wheeler.
Deputies developed leads through video evidence and by canvassing the surrounding area. Those efforts led to the arrests of Larry Laws of Cadet and Donnie Eckhoff of Potosi.
Court records show Laws has been charged with three counts of second-degree arson, two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, one count of stealing property valued at $750 or more, three counts of stealing a firearm, one count of second-degree burglary, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety.
Eckhoff has been charged with three counts of second-degree arson, two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, one count of stealing property valued at $750 or more, three counts of stealing a firearm, one count of second-degree burglary, and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. His bond was set at $100,000 cash only.
The investigation remains ongoing.