IC man with history of alleged car burglaries arrested again

Hunter
08/05/20

An Iowa City man who has a history of alleged car burglaries has been arrested again for the same offense.

Police say they were contacted Tuesday afternoon around 3:25 by a subject who said a black male was observed walking through backyards in the 2600 block of Hillside Drive, and he reportedly got into an unlocked vehicle. He then left the area after going through the contents inside.

Another witness describes the same black male trying door handles on other motor vehicles in a nearby neighborhood. Officers located the man, identified as 18-year-old Jeiden Fair of Amber Lane, near the intersection of Washington Street and Washington Park Road. He allegedly admitted to police that he went through the parked motor vehicle and said he was feeling cocky.

When asked what he was looking for, Fair said he was looking for car keys that he would have used to steal the vehicle if he had found them in the vehicle.

Fair was caught in the act two weeks ago going through unlocked vehicles in the 700 block of 4th Avenue the morning of July 21st. A resident yelled at Fair, who fled the scene but was apprehended by officers. He allegedly admitted to going through vehicles and stealing coins and a cellphone. He was also allegedly seen going through vehicles the morning of July 12th in the 2000 block of Keokuk Street. He reportedly got into a black Mercedes before confronted. The victim said Fair took an envelope in the center console containing $1200.  He was then called in after being seen going through vehicles on the 1200 block of Friendship Street on July 12th by a woman walking her dog in the area. Police located Fair in the area, and he allegedly attempted to give them a different date of birth to make him appear to be a juvenile. He also reportedly had a marijuana grinder on him at the time.

Fair was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon and charged with another 3rd degree burglary. If he’s convicted on all the counts facing him, Fair could be sentenced to over ten years in prison.