Hunter
03/24/21
An Iowa City area transient has been found guilty of causing almost $15,000 in damages to three residences he allegedly broke into last April.
According to police, 30-year-old Alexander Torres was positively identified leaving a residence on the 800 block of North Dodge Street on April 25th, stating he had items inside the residence. The victim reported that the house is on the market and should be vacant. Torres reportedly entered the home two days beforehand through a window, damaging an air conditioner to gain access. The home had damage to floor tiles due to Torres allegedly chopping wood there. Total damage was estimated at $2000.
Then on April 29th, Torres was located in another vacant residence for sale on the 800 block of Caroline Avenue. He’s accused of causing at least $12,000 in damages at that location.
A list of the reported damage includes burnt hardwood from a fire in the living room, removal and destruction of several smoke detectors, damaged window screens, several holes in the downstairs drywall, carpet cut out in the downstairs living room, a broken window, several broken light fixtures, and extensive smoke damage from the fire that was still smoldering when officers arrived.
Torres was located hiding behind the home’s furnace, and allegedly had a backpack containing several burglar’s tools. A hatchet was also located in the residence that allegedly belonged to Torres. Police say that appears to be the weapon Torres used to break a window on the north side of the residence to gain entry.
A week previously, Torres was taken into custody after allegedly being found in a Summit Street residence, telling police his wife had purchased the home. He reportedly caused about $500 in damage to door handles at that location.
A jury found Torres guilty on March 18th of 1st Degree Criminal Mischief, Possession of Burglar’s tools, and Reckless Use of Fire. He will be sentenced on June 18th, and faces over a dozen years in prison.