Hunter
05/09/23
A North Liberty man has been taken into custody after authorities say he burglarized a convenience store twice in the same night.
According to police, the incidents occurred at the Heartland Way Kum & Go in North Liberty. At approximately 2:23am on March 16th, 35-year-old Michael Cinkan of 2nd Avenue entered the businesss through a door that was left unlocked by accident by an employee. It was reportedly clear that the business was closed, as there were no staff on scene and only security lights on. Cinkan allegedly looked around the store, realized there was no one else there, and went behind the counter. He reportedly stole handfuls of lottery tickets and cartons of cigarettes. Two other uninvolved patrons were inside the store.
Cinkan allegedly returned to the store just before 4am the same night, with another unidentified male. Surveillance video shows that Cinkan was wearing the same clothing but this time had a mask on. He once again reportedly went behind the counter and stole handfuls of lottery tickets.
Cinkan was later observed at a Cedar Rapids gas station, cashing in the stolen winning lottery tickets.
A warrant for his arrest was issued on January 5th. Cinkan was taken to the Johnson County Jail Monday night and charged with two counts of Lottery Ticket theft, and one count each of 2nd degree and 3rd degree Burglary. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.