July 15, 2008 11:42 pm
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Authorities said a fast-food cup helped apprehend two teenagers suspected of stealing a Joplin woman’s backpack and laptop Monday at a local fast-food restaurant.
Pete A. Schuessler Jr., 17, of Carthage, and Alex A. Reed, also 17, of Carl Junction, were arrested at 6:30 p.m. Monday by Joplin police.
Both teens face one count each of felony theft in Jasper County Circuit Court.
Joplin police Cpl. Chuck Niess said officers were called to the Taco Bell restaurant on West Seventh Street in response to a theft.
The victim, 29-year-old Kimberly Boman, of Joplin, told police she left her backpack with a laptop inside of it at her table while she placed her order. Witnesses told police two teenage males ran off with the pack.
Another officer who arrived at the scene spotted Schuessler outside of a nearby Wal-Mart with a Taco Bell cup in hand, Niess said.
Once the officer made contact with Schuessler, he saw the backpack in Reed’s truck, authorities said.
Both teens are being held on $3,500 bond Tuesday.
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