IC man arrested after alleged vehicle burglaries

Hunter
07/13/20

An Iowa City man who was arrested for allegedly stealing money from a vehicle Thursday was taken into custody again after being observed breaking into vehicles Sunday morning.

Police were called to the 3200 block of Friendship Street around 6:15am after a woman called 911 reporting someone breaking into vehicles, which she observed as she was walking her dog in the area.

The woman provided a description of the man and an officer located him about a block from where he was seen. He was later identified as 18-year-old Jeiden Fair of Amber Lane.

Fair reportedly gave his correct name to the officer, but a different date of birth to make him appear as a juvenile. He was making what the officer called “furtive” movements to his pants pockets and was checked for weapons.

Fair allegedly had a marijuana grinder with bits of marijuana inside. Under Miranda questioning, Fair admitted to owning the grinder, as well as burglarizing several vehicles in the area. A check of vehicle owners found that many were missing money from their vehicles.

Fair was arrested and charged with 3rd degree burglary of a motor vehicle, providing false identification information, and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 26 months in prison.

Fair was taken into custody Thursday morning after bystanders saw him enter a black Mercedes on the 2000 block of Keokuk Street at 11:25 before he was confronted and fled the area. The victim said an envelope with about $1200 in cash had been stolen from the vehicle’s center console.

Fair was apprehended by police shortly afterwards and under Miranda allegedly admitted to the theft. In that instance, he was charged with 3rd degree burglary of a motor vehicle and 3rd degree theft. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted for that incident.