Transient with history of stealing cars accused of taking vehicle from Iowa City convenience store

Lang
3/6/25

A transient with a history of stealing cars is accused of stealing another vehicle from an Iowa City convenience store.

Just before 4:30 Tuesday morning, Iowa City Police took a report of a car stolen from the Riverside Drive Kum & Go. The vehicle was later located by Coralville Police. The driver and only occupant, 30-year-old Austin Christensen, was identified by the car’s owner as the person who stole it.

Christensen is charged with Operating a Vehicle Without Owner’s’ Consent and Driving While Suspended. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two years in jail.

Christensen was sentenced to 30 days in jail last year after stealing a 2017 Chevy Malibu that was parked on the 100 block of South Clinton Street.  Christensen was later found with the vehicle outside AutoZone on Highway 1 West. He told police he took the car because, “I was just going to drive it around.”