PARK HILLS, MO — Donald Barry McKinney, 50, was arrested on multiple felony charges after an investigation revealed he allegedly stole dyed diesel fuel from railroad locomotives in the St. Louis area.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (MSHP/DDCC) said McKinney faces charges of receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence in a felony case, and resisting arrest for a felony. Authorities say the suspect allegedly siphoned diesel from locomotives for 10 to 15 years while working for The Prairie Line Railroad Company.
Investigators received an anonymous tip in December 2025 claiming McKinney sold stolen diesel locally in St. Francois and Washington counties. Surveillance and license plate reader data later corroborated the tip, showing McKinney’s truck and trailer made multiple trips between Park Hills and St. Louis, as well as local deliveries.
During a search of McKinney’s residence on Jan. 7, authorities discovered firearms, large sums of cash, and multiple tanks suspected to contain dyed and non-dyed diesel fuel. The following day, McKinney resisted arrest and set his cargo trailer on fire, destroying potential evidence.
McKinney was taken into custody and charged the same day with receiving stolen property (Class D felony), tampering with evidence (Class E felony), and resisting arrest (Class E felony). Bond was set at $200,000, and he was released on Jan. 9 under GPS monitoring and random drug screening conditions.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 19 with Judge Joseph Murray presiding. Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information regarding the alleged theft to contact Cpl. Andrew L. Woods at 636-300-2800.
The MSHP reminds the public that McKinney is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
