Hunter
09/29/20
A Clinton Iowa man has been arrested after reportedly failing to return a motorcycle from a test drive and attempting to alter its appearance.
According to police, 36-year-old Jeremy Rice had been speaking with a man over social media about purchasing a motorcycle. They reportedly met in the parking lot near Coral Ridge Avenue and Corridor Way at about 4:40pm Monday, where Rice asked to take the bike for a test drive. He took the motorcycle, but did not return and reportedly refused to answer the owner’s calls.
North Liberty Police located Rice two hours later, as a passenger in a car at O’Reilly Auto Parts on Ranshaw Way that had been reported for suspicious activity. Rice allegedly was wearing the same clothes that the victim described. Officers say Rice gave false information repeatedly, and consented to a search of his wallet. A clearly falsely manufactured Iowa license was found with a different name. Rice’s identity was eventually discovered, and he was found to have numerous felony warrants.
According to a witness, Rice had hidden the stolen bike in a car wash about a block away from where he was located. Officers located the motorcycle, which had been spray painted to make it look less recognizable. Parts of the motorcycle had already been removed, and wires were allegedly ripped and/or cut.
Rice allegedly refused to talk with officers. The victim confirmed that Rice was the individual who stole his bike after shown his profile on social media. The motorcycle was valued at $10,750 and it’s estimated that repairs and repainting costs would come to about $2000.
Rice has been charged with first degree Theft, 2nd degree Criminal Mischief, and Possession of a Fictitious License. If convicted, Rice could be sentenced to up to sixteen years in prison.