Lang
1/14/22
A Coralville man arrested last month after being reported as a suspicious person in Tiffin has now been charged with a burglary in the same area around the same time.
57-year-old David Latham of the Western Hills Estates manufactured housing community on Highway 6 was arrested just after 1am on December 26th. Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to a suspicious person on foot in the area of Red Bird Run and Nightingale Street. The man, later identified as Latham, was later located hiding in the front seat of his 2001 Honda Civic.
When Latham saw the officer, he allegedly started the car and sped off. Latham allegedly led the deputy on a brief chase before finally pulling over.
The sheriff’s office says Latham refused commands from the arresting officer and made furtive movements in the back seat. A search of the vehicle turned up an empty bottle of methadone. Latham allegedly showed signs of impairment, and a urine test came back positive for cocaine.
Latham was charged with Eluding, a serious misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of one year in jail.
Just before 2:15 Thursday morning, Latham was booked into the jail again on a charge of 3rd Degree Burglary. Arrest records indicate a resident of Goldfinch Drive reported a burglary the night of December 26th when they returned home after being gone for two days. Security video shows Latham’s vehicle near the residence on Christmas night, as well as a person who appears to be Latham approaching and leaving the house twice. A smart device also detected motion inside the house between one of the times Latham is allegedly seen walking to and from the residence.
Investigators say some of the victim’s cash was found on Latham’s person when he was booked into the jail early the next morning. A search warrant executed on Latham’s trailer allegedly turned up the victim’s portable cellphone charger.
If convicted on the burglary charge, Latham faces a maximum of five years in prison.