Lang
8/6/21
Iowa City Police chased down and captured a suspect in a moonshine theft early Thursday morning.
According to arrest records, just before 2:30am the overnight clerk at the West Burlington Street Kum & Go reported that a subject had just stolen alcohol and ridden off on a bicycle. Police located the suspect, 26-year-old Amos Lavela of Burns Avenue, on the Ped Mall shortly after the theft. He allegedly gave investigators a false date of birth twice before admitting he was lying and finally giving them his correct birthdate.
During the interview with police Lavela allegedly produced the stolen alcohol…a bottle of Ole Smoky Moonshine valued at $25.49. Once the bottle was removed from Lavela’s bag police noticed it had already been opened and a portion of it consumed.
Lavela allegedly ran when he was told he would be charged with theft. He was captured after a brief foot chase.
Lavela was charged with 5th Degree Theft and Interference with Official Acts. Court records show he pleaded guilty on Friday and was fined $250.