Hunter
06/27/24
A Tiffin man was arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly being found in a Coralville business after hours.
34-year-old Matthew Gerot of Hickory Court was reportedly seen on surveillance cameras around 3:45am inside a unit on the 700 block of 5th Street. The business was closed at the time, and the key holder told officers that no one should have been inside.
Gerot allegedly unplugged the router and moved cameras in an effort not to be spotted inside the business. When officers arrived, he was reportedly looking through an office in the unit. He noticed police and allegedly fled through the rear door. A subsequent chase ended when Gerot fell and was apprehended.
Damage to the rear door was observed after the arrest, and Gerot was in possession of three screwdrivers, a wrench and a glass break. Another screwdriver was reportedly left on scene when he fled the office
Gerot was charged with 3rd degree Burglary, possession of Burglar’s Tools, and Interference with Official Acts. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to over 7 years in prison.