Five teens busted for Cedar Rapids car break-ins

Cedar Rapids police arrested five teenagers early Tuesday morning after they allegedly broke into several cars at two different apartment complexes.

Officers responded shortly before 4:30 a.m. to Edgewood Apartments, 3404 Queen Dr. SW, for a report of suspicious activity. They detained five people who were in the area, and later determined they had been breaking into cars.

Lt. Kenneth Washburn said the teenagers had been breaking windows to get into vehicles overnight at Edgewood Apartments and the Gateway Gardens apartment complex, 2981 Sixth St. SW. Investigators recovered property taken from the vehicles, including electronics and golf clubs, Washburn said.

Arrested on suspicion of third-degree burglary and trespassing were: Eddie Ayers III, 15, of Waterloo; Larissa Lamas, 17, of Marion; and Chase Goers, 15, Markainen Bunker, 16, and Nick Moser, 18, all of Cedar Rapids.

Police said Ayers became combative and, on his own accord, used his head to dent the truck lid on a patrol car, leading to interference with official acts and fourth-degree criminal mischief infractions. He also was carrying a knife, leading to another charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

Lamas and Bunker were charged with possession of a controlled substance after officers found them with a small amount of marijuana.

Ayers was taken to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center, and Moser was transported to the Linn County Jail. The other teens were released to their parents, Washburn said.

Anyone whose car was broken into in the same area is asked make a report by calling police at (319) 286-5491.