Hunter
03/14/24
An Iowa City man was arrested after an overnight burglary.
Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East Washington Street at 2:40 am Tuesday on reports of a burglary at Crown Liquor and Smoke. Upon arrival, they observed 22-year-old Cesar Lemus Palma of North Linn Street inside the store after business hours, reportedly taking various items. Once Palma left the store, he was taken into custody.
Numerous items allegedly taken from the store were found on Palma’s person; there were also items near Gabe’s bar that police believed had been taken from the liquor store. There was also reported camera footage showing Palma trying to kick the door at Gabe’s to try to gain entry after business hours.
A large amount of cash was discovered on Palma, and staff at the liquor store reported that multiple cash registers had been opened. He also had an odor of ingested alcohol and was later measured with a BAC of .254 percent.
Palma was charged with 3rd degree Burglary, attempted 3rd degree Burglary, and Public Intoxication. He faces a prison sentence of over seven years if convicted.