Lang
5/21/22
Two Cedar Rapids men have been arrested after allegedly stealing tires from an Iowa City auto shop overnight.
Iowa City Police were called to Meza Auto on Stevens Drive just after 1am Saturday for two subjects believed to be stealing catalytic converters. The suspects’ vehicle, a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, was pulled over on Gilbert Street near Highway 6 just before 1:15am. The driver, 33-year-old Jason Smith of 7th Avenue SW, allegedly showed signs of drug impairment and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.
Security video reportedly shows Smith and his passenger, 35-year-old Shawn Cunningham of 9th Street SW, stealing tires from Meza Auto. A search of the vehicle turned up two stolen tires. Police say Cunningham told one officer the tires belonged to him, but he later told another he stole them. Smith also reportedly admitted to stealing the tires, which were valued at $600.
The search of the Elantra also turned up a jack, drills, saws, and other tools that could be used in a burglary. There was also a baggie of marijuana and a used methamphetamine pipe inside the car.
Smith and Cunningham are each charged with 3rd Degree Theft, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on all charges, they each face a maximum of over five years in prison.
Both men have previous theft convictions from Linn County.